Interrogating the Communicative Semantics of Electoral Gamification and Ballot Sanctity in Nigeria

Abstract

This research critically examines the communicative semantics and underlying factors (aetiology) contributing to the gamification of elections and its impact on the sanctity of ballots within the Nigerian electoral landscape (Ogunmokun et al., 2024). Focusing on three urban and sub-urban Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Edo State and their eligible voters during the 2024 Gubernatorial Election, this study critically evaluated the misguided perception of elections and electoral outcomes as a mere "game of numbers" (Ajayi, 2025). This reductionist dictum, frequently invoked by electoral stakeholders, serves to obfuscate forensic scrutiny of the electoral process (Nwosu & Chima, 2021). Drawing upon tenets of game theory (Schelling, 1960), this research posits that the governance of a state cannot be reduced to a game of chance or 'ludocracy' (Huizinga, 1938), as statesmanship and policy-making profoundly affect the lives of millions of citizens, both politically engaged and apolitical. Consequently, the indispensable role of ballot sanctity and the imperative for demonstrably free, fair, and transparent electoral outcomes are advanced as the fundamental 'grundnorm' for a robust electoral democracy and a progressive society. It is therefore crucial to delineate the conceptual distinctions between 'game', 'gamification', and 'ludified democracy', advocating for stringent measures against those who undermine democratic integrity as a deterrent to electoral malfeasance (Ibrahim, 2020).