CHAPTER 1----INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The level of insecurity and corruption in the body politics had in recent times sent fears into the heart of many. A Significant portion of the people no longer have confidence in the democratic process of election in the country. The Faith reposed on elected officers have been disappointed due to the neglect of the electorate who voted them into power. The incessant abuse of power by political office holders to enrich themselves and get ready for another turn is the reason why a large segment of the public show disinterest in the process. According to Fred Gohlke, (2016), it is a known fact therefore that Political apathy prevails in the light of this unwholesome activity. The concept of political apathy is the display of disinterest towards politics. It is a condition whereby people are no longer interested in the political situation in the country. Leading to the rejection in the participation in elections, political parties and laws of the country. The consequence can be devastating in the economy where there is stagnation in the political system of the nation and loss in the democratic values of the country. The consequence is further worsened by the fact that political apathy could lead to blackmail among politicians, Dishonesty, corruption and dissatisfaction among the people as well as Lack of social flexibility. The issue of political apathy is found among young people, minority groups and the poor. The study seeks to appraise the effect and causes of political apathy in Nigeria; A case study of 2019 election.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The apparent increase in the level of people refusing to participate in the democratic process in the country is affecting the body politics as well as the democratic institution of the coun try. This condition produces leaders who do not represent the interest of the people, corruption and conflict. The Condition is attributing to the fact that corruption has engulfed the process. A situation were the votes of the electorates no longer counts due to the Dishonesty of politicians who hijack the process has led to the apparent disinterest of a large segment of the population in the political process of voting and participating in politics. A Structure where the political party determines the outcome of leaders rather than the votes of the masses constitute an embarrassing situation where the people’s rights are denied. The system does not give motivation to people to express their will while many are marginalized due to their status in the society. This situation leads to poor turnout of voters, poor leadership structure and bad government. The problem confronting the study is to investigate the effect and causes of political apathy in Nigeria; A case study of 2019 election.
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The fundamental objective of the study is to investigate the effect and causes of political apathy in Nigeria; A case study of 2019 election. The specific objectives of the study include;
- To determine the nature of political apathy.
- To determine the causes of political apathy.
- To determine the effect of political apathy.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
- What is the nature of political apathy?
- What are the causes of political apathy?
- What is the effect of political apathy?
1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
Ho1: There is no significant effect of political apathy in Nigeria.
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The study intends to investigate the effect and causes of political apathy in Nigeria; A case study of 2019 election.
1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The study focuses on the appraisal of the effect and causes of political apathy in Nigeria; A case study of 2019.
1.8 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
The research was confronted with logistics and geographical constraint.
1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS
POLITICAL APATHY DEFINED
A condition in which the people are disinterested in the political process of the nation.
POLITICAL SYSTEM DEFINED
A framework which focus on defining acceptable political methods within the state or nation.
ELECTION DEFINED
A competition between different political parties for electives public office.
INNOVATION DEFINED
Innovation is the discovery of a new thing or business. It can also refer to something new or to a change made to an existing product, idea, or field.
INVENTION DEFINED
Usually something which has not previously been in existence.
