Title:
Financial Accountability and Public Trust in Electoral Processes in Nigeria

Authors:
Catherine Temitope NWADEI, Sunday Ade BELLO, Nigeria

Abstract:

This study examines Financial Accountability and Public Trust in Electoral Processes in Nigeria. It essentially relies on four aspects of financial accountability: cost-effectiveness, audit and financial reporting quality, budget transparency, and procurement accountability. It then examines how each of these aspects affects public trust. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was adopted, with data collected from 372 respondents and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The findings reveal that all dimensions of financial accountability significantly influence public confidence in electoral processes. Among these dimensions, the quality of auditing and financial reporting emerged as the most influential factor. The study further indicates that, although financial accountability within the electoral system is perceived to be at a moderate level, public trust in election outcomes remains relatively low. The results, therefore, underscore the importance of strengthening financial accountability mechanisms to enhance the credibility of elections in Nigeria. The study also recommends improving audit practices, reinforcing procurement systems, promoting greater transparency, and ensuring more effective management of election-related expenditures.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.51505/IJEBMR.2026.11104