DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

This study examined the effects of elections on national security in Nigeria, with particular reference to the general elections in Edo State. It focused on four key objectives: examining the impact of electoral credibility, evaluating the role of voter education, assessing the effects of electoral violence, and determining the implications of electoral malpractices on national security. The research adopted a survey research design, which enabled collection of data through quantitative and qualitative means. The quantitative data were gathered through the use of Likert style questionnaire while the qualitative data were gathered through interviews with Key Informant Interview (KII) regarding their perceptions of electoral processes and its effects on national security. The study was guided by system theory and human security theory, which explain how the interaction between political institutions, citizens, and governance structures affects societal stability and individual safety. This study's population is made up of the men and women of voting age in Edo State which is 453,592 while the sample size for this study was 400 using the Taro Yamane formula. Three hundred and fifty six (356) respondents responded to the copies of questionnaire administered while twelve (12) interviewees responded to the interview guide. The findings revealed that electoral credibility is very significant in maintaining national security. The study also found that voter education contributes to national security by improving citizens’ understanding of the electoral process and discouraging manipulation and participation in political violence. The study recommends that strengthening credible electoral processes, enhancing voter education, and addressing electoral violence and malpractice are essential for promoting national security and democratic consolidation in Nigeria.

This study examined the effects of elections on national security in Nigeria, with particular reference to the general elections in Edo State. It focused on four key objectives: examining the impact of electoral credibility, evaluating the role of voter education, assessing the effects of electoral violence, and determining the implications of electoral malpractices on national security. The research adopted a survey research design, which enabled collection of data through quantitative and qualitative means. The quantitative data were gathered through the use of Likert style questionnaire while the qualitative data were gathered through interviews with Key Informant Interview (KII) regarding their perceptions of electoral processes and its effects on national security. The study was guided by system theory and human security theory, which explain how the interaction between political institutions, citizens, and governance structures affects societal stability and individual safety. This study's population is made up of the men and women of voting age in Edo State which is 453,592 while the sample size for this study was 400 using the Taro Yamane formula. Three hundred and fifty six (356) respondents responded to the copies of questionnaire administered while twelve (12) interviewees responded to the interview guide. The findings revealed that electoral credibility is very significant in maintaining national security. The study also found that voter education contributes to national security by improving citizens’ understanding of the electoral process and discouraging manipulation and participation in political violence. The study recommends that strengthening credible electoral processes, enhancing voter education, and addressing electoral violence and malpractice are essential for promoting national security and democratic consolidation in Nigeria.

This study explores how social networking sites (SNS) influenced youth political participation during Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, focusing on students at the University of Benin, Edo State. With young people (ages 18–35) forming the largest voting demographic in Nigeria, understanding their digital political engagement is crucial. The research examines how platforms like Twitter, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok shaped students’ political awareness, expression, and involvement. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 130 survey respondents, 6 interviewees, and 6 focus groups. Quantitative data were analyzed with SPSS (v28.0), while NVivo 12 supported thematic analysis based on Braun and Clarke’s six-phase model. The study is grounded in the Uses and Gratifications Theory, Political Efficacy Theory, and the Digital Engagement Model. Findings show that social networking sites increased political information access, fostered discussions, and mobilized many students to participate, especially online. However, concerns over misinformation, apathy, and distrust in online content were noted. While social media is not a cure-all for youth disengagement, it offers valuable tools for political participation such as democratized access to political information, real-time electoral updates, direct communication channels with political figures, cost-effective engagement platforms, opportunities for grassroots mobilization, spaces for political discourse and debate, voter education resources, and community building among like-minded citizens.