Metaphysics of the Means-End Continuum and Electoral Malpractices in Nigeria

Abstract

n this paper, I demonstrate how electoral malpractices in Nigeria violate logical principles as well as the principle of finality. A growing trend in electoral malpractices in Nigeria is that elections are mostly allowed to be I held seamlessly and peacefully up to the counting and declaration of results at polling units, whereas the results are subsequently falsified or doctored during their collation and declaration at wards, in local government areas and/or states. I argue that the falsification of results of successful polls at polling units during their collation and declaration at wards, in local government areas, or states is a disruption of the means-end continuum, a violation of logical principles and the principle of finality upon which the natural (moral) and physical laws are premised. I conclude that the principle of finality and the idea of the means-end continuum which enunciate that the end (outcome of an election) must necessarily and logically follow from the means (electoral processes/procedures) determined by, and directed towards, the end should be taken into consideration by judges adjudicating electoral cases in Nigeria