PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

This study examines the effect of party politics on political campaigns in Nigeria, with specific emphasis on the 2023 presidential election in Anambra state. Nigeria has come a long way since 1922 in terms of the number and spread of political parties. The number of political parties and their spread seems to give the impression that representation has become an important requirement for the existence of political parties. The study adopts a survey design and employs quantitative research methods. Primary data is collected through structured questionnaires administered. The sample size is determined using Cochrane (1977) sample size determination formula, yielding approximately 390respondents, selected through stratified random sampling to ensure proportional representation. The data collected from the instruments were organized in tables using simple percentages. Cronbach's Alpha is employed to test the reliability of the research instrument, ensuring consistency in measuring the variables. Findings from the study revealed that Nigerian political parties often lack clear ideologies making it difficult for voters to distinguish between them. This ambiguity fuels party defections and transactional politics. It was also revealed that politicians make provocative statements that ignite passions and hostilities among their supporters, often targeting opponents or rival groups. The study offers valuable recommendations that political candidates and party members should make frantic efforts to inform or persuade electorates for their votes rather than mislead them with enticing words or making hate speeches capable of disrupting the electoral process and causing disenchantment among the electoraes, it was also recommended that political candidates and parties should communicate their political agenda without the use of force, destructive tendencies and unhealthy rivalry among one party and the other and between party members and electorates.

This study examined the impact of ethnic politics on voter apathy and behavior during the 2023 presidential election in Edo State, Nigeria. Guided by four key objectives, the study assessed the influence of ethnic loyalty, ethnic leaders, perceived marginalization, and ethnic sentiment over policy on electoral participation. A descriptive and explanatory survey design was adopted, with data collected from 100 purposively selected respondents across the three senatorial districts of Edo State. Primary data were gathered through structured questionnaires, complemented by secondary sources such as Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reports. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were employed to test the study’s hypotheses. The findings revealed a considerable level of voter apathy driven by distrust in the electoral process, fear of violence, poor voter education, and disillusionment with the political class. Ethnic identity emerged as a significant determinant of voting behavior, as loyalty to ethnic candidates, influence of ethnic leaders, and perceptions of marginalization strongly shaped political choices. The study recommends strengthening electoral institutions, enforcing laws against ethnic- based campaigning, enhancing civic and voter education, fostering youth engagement in governance, and ensuring electoral security. Addressing these challenges is critical to promoting inclusive participation, reducing voter apathy, and consolidating Nigeria’s democracy.