Ibrahim K. Bawa Esq. Outsourcing these cases by INEC has been very expensive. Documentation of the cases is also a major challenge, hence, the clamour for a commission on electoral offences. Managing elections and making sure that they are credible presents formidable challenges. The fourth point is attitudinal. The power of incumbency reigns supreme in Nigeria and an average policeman sees himself as an appendage of powerful political and economic elites. Policing for citizenship is not yet considered the primary obligation of the Police. Professionalism and psychological issues are central to altering the behaviour of an average policeman so that he can see himself more as defender of the citizenry rather than an agent of powerful power holders. It is my strong belief that citizens are the best bulwark in enhancing election security. Vigilance is the name of the game. With the statistics and profile of the security agencies that Nigeria can parade today, just about 400,000 policemen and women, securing our elections cannot be left in the hands of police alone or even in the hands of all security agencies combined. The prevalent and intimidating security challenges in Nigeria today, pose real danger and threat to our democracy. Concerted efforts therefore need to be put in place to tackle these security challenges. They are daunting but certainly surmountable. 42 ELECTION SECURITY IN NIGERIA: MATTERS ARISING Chapter Four ELECTION SECURITY IN THEORY AND PRACTICE: PERSPECTIVE OF A RESIDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSIONER Mike Igini 4.1 Introduction Election is the most foundational element of modern day representative democracy. It is a means through which the electorates at periodic times choose their representatives into different positions of governance; it refers to institutionalized procedures for recruiting political office holders by the electorates of a country or groups. Thus, how a state arranges and conducts its elections is emblematic of the level of political development of that particular state. The institutional medium provided by elections also allows different interest groups within a state to stake and resolve their claims to power through peaceful means. It, therefore, determines the manner and methods by which changes in the social order may be brought about in a democratic society. Consequently, the procedures adopted must be recognised by law in order to give it legitimacy, thus, it is necessary that in conducting such procedures it must be acceptable to those who participate, by being seen as fair and credible. These processes must take place under conditions that are peaceful ELECTION SECURITY IN NIGERIA: MATTERS ARISING 43