Implications of Independent National Electoral Commission Result Viewing Portal (IREV) on the 2023 Presidential Election in Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigates the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IREV) and its impact on Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election. To achieve this, the study adopted a qualitative methodology using historical and analytical approaches through secondary data sourced from books, journals, newspapers, and other published and unpublished materials. The study also applied institutional theory to explain the implementation of the IREV system by INEC, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges that significantly affected the election outcome.

The study examined strategies used by INEC to enhance electoral legitimacy and policy steps to prevent the manipulation of election results. Findings indicate that the credibility and integrity of the 2023 presidential election were greatly enhanced by the deployment of the IREV portal, which positively influenced voter confidence. The study recommends that INEC strengthen cyber security, establish robust backup systems, ensure data integrity and continuity, and continuously update and improve technological systems to address emerging developments and risks.