International Observer Missions and Election Quality: A Review of the 2023 General Election in Nigeria

International observer missions are often regarded as guardians of democracy and have been widely acknowledged for improving electoral processes globally. This study examined the impact of international observer missions on the quality of Nigeria’s 2023 general elections. The research was grounded in Democratic Theory and the Theory of International Relations, while a case study design utilised secondary data, sourced from web-based official reports of observer missions, democratic institutions, and media platforms, and analysed using content analysis methods. Findings identified major observer groups, including ECOWAS, the African Union, the Commonwealth, the United Nations, the European Union, the US Department of State, IFES, NDI, and IRI, as key actors in monitoring the 2023 general elections. Findings revealed that there was a consensus among international observers’ reports that significant logistical, technological, and communications failures marred the electoral process. The findings further indicated that the Independent National Electoral Commission addressed these issues fairly in most polling units but also failed in many, which disenfranchised many potential voters. The study concluded that the presence of international observer missions in Nigeria’s 2023 general elections had a significant impact in terms of transparency in the voting process, but did not guarantee flawless election outcomes and quality.