ROLE OF STATISTICS IN NIGERIA POLITICS

Abstract

This paper attempts to analyze the role of Statistic in our society today through comprehensive and

timely collection of data from the grass root to the urban and utilizing same for efficient and

adequate elections. Attempt was made to critically justify how elections in politic dispensation can

be improved upon. The discussion for considering the use of statistics in politics as a useful resource

for democracy in the society have also been advanced. The quest for democracy and good

governance has been a global phenomenon over the years and Nigeria which is still green in

democracy is not an exception. Evidence has shown that both in the theoretical and empirical

literature, democracy, good governance and statistics mutually reinforces one another and are

supportive of economic development. In fact, this probably underscores the popular saying that the

worst form of democracy is better than a military regime no matter how good it may be. The

indispensability of statistics for economic development cannot be overemphasized. Statistics

provides the ingredient for planning and policy execution. It provides the numbers for matching

resources with needs, particularly, ensuring equity and justice. The paper aimed at demonstrating

how democracy and good governance are appraised using statistics in Nigeria.