DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

This study examined the impact of social media on voting behaviour and youth advocacy in Edo State during the 2024 governorship election. The increasing penetration of digital technologies has transformed political communication, making social media a central platform for political engagement, particularly among youths. The study was guided by four specific objectives: to assess the level of youth engagement on social media during the election, to analyse how social media content influenced voting decisions, to evaluate the role of social media in youth advocacy movements, and to identify the challenges and opportunities associated with its use in political participation. A quantitative research design was adopted using a cross-sectional survey method. Data were collected from 400 respondents, out of which 389 valid responses were analysed. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential tools such as chi-square and Pearson correlation. Findingsrevealed a high level ofsocial media engagement among youths, with a majority actively following and sharing election-related content. The study further found that social media had a significant influence on voting behaviour, as a substantial proportion of respondents reported that social media content shaped their voting decisions and candidate preferences. In addition, the study established that social media played a meaningful role in youth advocacy, with many respondents participating in online campaigns and voter education activities. However, the study also identified major challenges, including the widespread dissemination of misinformation and difficulty in distinguishing credible information from false content. Hypotheses testing confirmed that social media significantly influenced both youths voting behaviour and advocacy outcomes during the election. The study concludes that social media is a powerful tool for political mobilization and participation among youths in Edo State, though its effectiveness is moderated by issues of misinformation and digital literacy. It recommends that policymakers, electoral bodies, and stakeholders strengthen digital literacy initiatives, regulate misinformation, and leverage social media platforms for effective civic engagement and voter education.

This study examined the political economy of elections in Nigeria, with particular emphasis on the implications of money politics on voting behaviour during the 2024 Edo State gubernatorial election in Ovia North East Local Government Area. The study was motivated by the increasing influence of vote buying, financial inducements, and other forms of electoral malpractice on democratic governance and electoral integrity in Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from eligible voters using structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods to assess the relationship between money politics and voting behaviour. The findings revealed that money politics significantly influenced voters' electoral choices, reduced electoral credibility, and weakened democratic values by encouraging vote buying and undermining issue-based campaigns. The study also found that economic hardship, poverty, and unemployment increased voters' susceptibility to financial inducements during elections. It concludes that the persistence of money politics poses a serious threat to free, fair, and credible elections and undermines democratic consolidation in Nigeria. The study recommends stricter enforcement of electoral laws, effective voter education, improved campaign finance regulation, and the implementation of policies aimed at reducing poverty and promoting electoral transparency to strengthen democratic governance.

This study examined the Influence of Organizational Politics on Employee Job Performance and Utilization in the Edo State Civil Service. Organisational politics, which often manifest through favoritism, nepotism, manipulation of procedures, and unequal distribution of opportunities, have become a significant concern in public sector organisations, with implications for employee effectiveness and optimal use of human resources. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design and utilized a structured questionnaire to collect data from selected employees of the Edo State Civil Service. A total of 100 respondents were sampled using appropriate sampling techniques. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation. Findings from the study revealed that various forms of organisational politics are prevalent in the Edo State Civil Service, including influence of personal relationships on work assignments, promotion decisions based on favoritism rather than merit, and selective enforcement of rules and policies. The results further showed that organisational politics negatively affect employees’ job performance by reducing morale, commitment, and productivity, while increasing workplace tension and dissatisfaction. In addition, the study found that organisational politics contribute to the underutilization of capable employees, as skills and competencies are often overlooked in task allocation and career advancement. The study concluded that organisational politics have a significant adverse effect on both job performance and employee utilization in the Edo State Civil Service. It therefore recommended that management should promote transparency, fairness, and merit-based practices in personnel decisions, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and ensure effective communication to minimize negative political behaviors and enhance employee performance and utilization.

This dissertation explores the relationship between social capital and police performance in Ondo State: A case study of Akure South Local Government Area, Nigeria. The research objectives include assessing the current state of social capital, examining the effectiveness of police performance, investigating the relationship between social capital and police performance, and exploring the impact of socio-economic and cultural factors on the police-social capital dynamic. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods. The findings reveal that social capital is relatively low in Akure South LGA, while police performance is affected by various challenges. The study also identifies a positive correlation between social capital and police performance, indicating that communities with higher social capital tend to have better police performance. Furthermore, the research highlights the significance of socio-economic and cultural factors in shaping the police-social capital dynamic. The study recommends strategies for building social capital and improving police performance, including community policing, stakeholder engagement, and cultural sensitivity training for police officers. The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on social capital and police performance, providing insights for policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders seeking to enhance public safety and community well-being

This project was carried out to examine the Area of Political articipation and Gender Equality in Governance. It's significance captures the theoritical analysis in understanding the nitty - gritty of the variables (Political Participation and Gender Equality) am how it applies to Edo State basically in Ovia North East Local Government Area. The use of the Simple Percentage method was introduced as this study discovered internal issues and causative factors that plays around Political Participation and Gender Equality in Governance. Apart from the well known patriarchal system, the study proved the rise of contemporary issues and trends that plagues Gender Equality in Governance and the intriguing effect it has on Political Participation. The Study has also made provisions and offered recommendations to enhance effective Political Participation and address the issues and concerns of Gender Equality in Governance.

This research titled "Semiotic analysis of names associated with God in Igbo language" studied how Igbo God- names are more than just labels for the divine. These names also have deep cultural, religious, and social meanings. The goal was to learn what they mean, what forms they take, their purpose in Igbo culture, and how they have changed. The work looked at names that tell about God’s character, what God does, and God's relationship with people. It shows how they link old Traditional customs with today’s Christian ways. Exactly 120 names were gathered from talks with people, church records, naming events, social media, songs, journals, everyday talk and stories passed down using one on one interviews and voice recordings. These names were studied using ideas about signs from Saussure, Peirce, Barthes, and Eco. The study found that Igbo God- names act as signs of belief, records of what happened to people and the community, and ways to pass values down. For instance, Chukwuemeka (God has done great deeds) shows thankfulness and Chidinma (God is good) shows faith in God's character. They also show how old Igbo beliefs still exist in today’s Christianity. The work suggested that more of these names should be written down and kept safe because they matter to the Igbo language, culture, and spirit. The research recommended that more of these names should be documented and preserved because they are an important part of the Igbo language, culture, and spirituality. In summary, the study showed that Igbo names for God are living signs that join together language, faith, and identity in a powerful way.

This project work portrays the theoretical framework applicable and assesses the impact of the several mentioned irregularities, especially if they were of sufficient magnitude or scope to curb money politics and commercialization of votes in Nigeria: analysis of the 2024 governorship election in Edo state. Controversies and uncertainties over allegations of irregularities reflect the problematic role of the State bureaucracy, serious inadequacy and lack of transparency in the election administration process in Nigeria. Therefore, election, voting, violence, and vote buying issues examined in this research work include- the theoretical framework applicable; electoral malpractices as restrictive registration of potential voters; the training of citizens on minimum concepts of civic responsibility; voter intimidation and other sources of suppression or distortion of voter will and recommendation on the mechanisms to increase popular participation, transparency, credibility and integrity of the electoral process in Nigeria. It was discovered that the impact of vote buying was difficult to demonstrate with empirical evidence. Our analysis indicates that the incumbent may have benefited marginally from vote buying, but his benefits were nowhere nearly as salient as some observers have perceived. We also find that the stability, legitimacy and effectiveness of the government may be undermined if it fails to develop mechanisms to ensure free, fair and transparent elections.

This study critically examines the role of community policing in crime prevention within urban Nigeria, with a specific focus on the Edo State Security Network (ESSN). Against the backdrop of escalating urban insecurity and public distrust in conventional policing, the research investigates how ESSN contributes to maintaining law and order in Edo State. Utilizing the quantitative method, data was gathered from residents, security personnel, and community leaders in Oredo Local Government Area through structured questionnaires. Findings reveal that while the ESSN has enhanced rapid response to crime, fostered inter-agency collaboration, and improved security visibility, challenges persist in areas such as logistics, training, community trust, and coordination. The study also identifies a paradox where despite these operational gains, many residents still do not feel significantly safer. Drawing on empirical literature and grounded in community policing theory, the study concludes that sustainable crime prevention requires more inclusive engagement strategies, adequate funding, and trust-building mechanisms between security actors and the public. The research contributes to policy and scholarly discourse on local security architectures and recommends strategic reforms to strengthen community policing frameworks across urban Nigeria.

Kidnapping has become a major security challenge in Nigeria, posing severe threats to rural communities that depend on agriculture for survival. In Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, frequent abductions between 2020 and 2025 disrupted farming activities, reduced farmers’ access to farmlands, and undermined household livelihoods. This study examined the effects of kidnapping on agricultural productivity, farmers’ income, food security, children’s education, and community wellbeing. Findings from statistical data analysis revealed that persistent kidnappings forced many farmers to abandon their farmlands, leading to reduced food production and discouraging investment in agriculture. Household income declined significantly, pushing families into poverty and disrupting children’s education as parents struggled to meet financial obligations. The scarcity of farm produce and other essential goods further increased food prices and worsening the economic hardship faced by rural households. Beyond these economic consequences, the fear and trauma of kidnapping eroded the psychological stability and social cohesion of communities. The study concluded that kidnapping constitutes not only a security problem but also a structural impediment to food security and rural development in Ovia North-East. It recommended strengthening community-based security, supporting affected farmers, and implementing holistic rural development strategies.

This study examined the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the challenges associated with monitoring political party campaign financing in Nigeria. Campaign financing has become a major issue in democratic governance due to the increasing influence of money in electoral processes, which often affects transparency, accountability, and fairness during elections. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of INEC in regulating and monitoring political party finances, identify the major challenges confronting the commission, and examine the implications of poor monitoring on democratic development in Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Data were obtained from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data were collected through questionnaires administered to selected respondents, while secondary data were gathered from textbooks, journals, official reports, and relevant publications. The findings revealed that INEC faces numerous challenges in monitoring political party campaign financing, including inadequate manpower, insufficient funding, weak enforcement mechanisms, corruption, lack of transparency by political parties, and political interference. The study also found that excessive campaign spending and poor financial disclosure by political parties undermine free and fair elections in Nigeria. The study concluded that although INEC has the constitutional responsibility to regulate campaign financing, several institutional and political challenges limit its effectiveness. The study therefore recommended that the Nigerian government should strengthen electoral laws, provide adequate funding and independence for INEC, enforce strict penalties against defaulters, and promote transparency and accountability in political party financing. These measures would enhance credible elections and strengthen democratic governance in Nigeria.