Election Violence and Democracy in Nigeria A Study of the 2011 and 2015 General Elections in Lagos State
No Thumbnail Available
Files
Date
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Description
This study examined election violence and democracy in Nigeria with focus on the 2011 and 2015 general elections in Lagos State. To achieve this objective, the study used primary source (interview) for data collection. A sample of two (2) electoral officers; two (2) Lagos State Executive Leaders each from the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) and major opposition party the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) were selected and interviewed at different locations in Lagos. The data obtained from the respondents were analysed. The study was anchored on
the Frustration Aggression Theory by Dollard et al in understanding the rational
for engaging in electoral violence. The study adopts a qualitative method based
on historical research design. Data were gathered through primary (key informant interview) and secondary sources. The primary data were derived from oral interviews conducted physically with electoral officers of INEC and executive leaders of (APC) and (PDP). Three research questions were raised and answered, the results revealed that election violence was caused by many factors including; inadequate voter education, voters’ bribery, rumour of rigging, among others. It was found that election violence had social, economic and political implications, which discourages both local and foreign investment in Lagos State. Thus, electoral violence has serious implications on the socio-economic development of
Lagos State. Therefore, the study recommends among others that political leaders should play positive roles in building effective government through their constitutional duties and mandates.
Keywords
JA Political science (General), JZ International relations