CHAPTER 1----INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The level of election violence in the country is assuming an alarming rate. The fear of possible attacks, box snatching and threats persistently mars many election processes in many parts of Nigeria. Election violence is the illegal interference with the process of election so as to influence the result of the election in favor a particular candidate. Election violence include changing election result, adding more of votes to favor a candidate, reducing the opposing candidate’s number of votes. Use of underage persons to acquire large Votes, using unregistered citizens to acquire mass votes, snatching ballot boxes to add more ballots for the favoured party candidates; compiling results in favor of a candidate, Intimidation, and improper counting of votes.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The consequence of Election violence in Nigeria is fast weakening the democratic process and institution of the nation. This as a result has lessened the people’s confidence and support for democratic institution in Nigeria. The level of political apathy is high, giving way for corrupt politicians to hijack electoral processes to fulfill their ill selfish ambitions to the detriment of the electorate and the nation at large. The Institutions of democracy is expected to encourage the people’s participation in the electoral process so as to exercise their will in a free and fair democratic manner to exercise their votes for the election of the leaders of their choice. This process strengthens and stabilizes democratic development. However, the increasing level of organized election violence perpetrated at the national, state and local levels calls for deliberate action by government and other stakeholders to rise up to the challenge so as to revive and enthrone democratic principles, true leadership and governance in the country.
Consequently, the problem confronting the study is to appraise the causes, effect, and possible solution to election violence in Nigeria, (A case study of Remo north local government ogun state).
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The main study objective is to investigate the causes, effect, and possible solution to election violence in Nigeria. (A case study of Remo north local government ogun state). While the specific objectives of the study include;
- 1 To appraise the Causes and effect of election violence in Nigeria.
- To determine the possible solution to election violence.
- To determine the causes, effect, and possible solution to election violence in Remo north local government ogun state.
1.2 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
- 1 What is the Causes and effect of election violence in Nigeria?
- What is the possible solution to election violence?
- What are the causes, effect, and possible solution to election violence in Remo north local government ogun state?
1.3 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
Ho1: There are no significant causes of election violence in Nigeria.
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The current wave of election violence is fast weakening the democratic principles in the country. This has resulted to a high level of political apathy. The study seeks to call the attention of stakeholders to arise and tackle the menace with the view of reviving democratic institution and good governance in the country. It shall also be useful to government policy makers.
1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The study focuses on the appraisal of the causes, effect, and possible solution to election violence in Nigeria. (A case study of Remo north local government ogun state).
1.6 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
The study was confronted with logistics constraints.
1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS
ELECTORAL VIOLENCE DEFINED
The act of conflict, physical assault, destruction, intimidation which seek to disrupt and influence the electoral process.
INTIMIDATION DEFINED
The act of exacting pressure on the electorate so that they vote in a particular direction.
