ELECTORAL VIOLENCE AND VOTER PARTICIPATION IN NORTH-EAST NIGERIA: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS (1999–2019)

Abstract

Elections are mechanisms for change of power but its practice has suffered substantial setback due to the absence of free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria. Electoral violence is prevalent in North-Eastern Nigeria, and its prevalence has affected voter participation, disrupted democratic processes and destroyed lives and properties of citizens. This paper examines the consequences of electoral violence on voter participation in North-Eastern Nigeria with specific reference to Adamawa, Gombe, and Taraba states. The study is delimited to 1999 – 2019 electoral timeframe. A mixed method research design was adopted for the study to achieve the objectives of the study. The instruments used for data collection are questionnaire and Key Informant Interviews (KII). The study sample comprised 546 respondents representing the total registered voters in the region. The Elite theory propounded by Pareto (1935) was used as the theoretical framework for the study. The theory argues that the interest of few elite’s matters in politics and that the elites oppressed the unorganized masses. The results of the analysis revealed that electoral violence leads to voter apathy, assassination, arson, riots, and break down of law and order. The paper recommends that free, fair and credible elections should be held in the region, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be restructured, adequate security measures should be provided during elections, electoral offenders should be penalised, and that government should create awareness on the importance of electoral participation.