OMOYENI, TOLULOPE JULIUS

This study investigates the relationship between distrust in government institutions and voter apathy in some selected local government areas of Ekiti and Gombe States, focusing on the 2023 General Elections in Nigeria. Distrust in government institutions, including electoral bodies, contributes significantly to voters’ disengagement, leading to lower voters’ turnout and reduced political participation. The research examined how distrust in government institutions influences citizen’s political engagements especially voters’ turnout and the extent to which socioeconomic factors shape voter participation. The research further investigates the impact of factors such as weak institutions, socioeconomic status, and political mobilization on voter turnout in these two states. In order to achieve the set objective of the study, four research questions were raised and hypotheses formulated to test the variables. The theoretical framework adopted for the study was structural- functional theory, and deliberative democracy theory. The research design adopted for the study was a cross-sectional survey design, the study draws on data collected from 2,391 registered voters across six local government areas in the two states, employing multi-stage sampling, simple random sampling, purposive and judgmental sampling, technique to select respondents for this study. The 2,391 sample size was derived through the use of Taro Yamane formula as respondents was drawn from six local government areas (LGAs) in Ekiti state (Ikere-Ekiti, Ado-Ekiti, Oye-Ekiti) and Gombe States (Gombe, Kwami, and Kaltungo). The research instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire and in-depth interview of key informants. The copies of questionnaire were administered to a total number of 2,391 respondents and 2,020 questionnaires retrieved representing 84.5.3% return rate. Additionally, in-depth interview of 12 interviewees and key informants was conducted to provide robust understanding on the factors contributing to distrust of government and voter apathy. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson Correlation, regression analysis, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS 24). While qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings from this study revealed that distrust of government, fueled by perceptions of electoral fraud, lack of responsiveness, and government interference, significantly contributed to low voters turnout in both states. Educational attainment was found to have varying impacts, with Ekiti showing higher levels of distrust linked to education, while Gombe’s political mobilization through community networks played a more significant role in encouraging voter participation. The study recommended the need for electoral reforms, improved voter education, and greater transparency in government institutions to restore public trust and enhance democratic participation in Nigeria.