GENERAL ELECTIONS

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.

Voter participation is vital to democratic stability in Nigeria, yet declining engagement poses a threat to effective governance. This study argues that revitalising democratic institutions, norms, and infrastructure requires greater citizen involvement before, during, and after elections. It investigates five core questions: the factors driving voter apathy, citizens’ attitudes toward voting, their awareness of political developments, the motivations behind disengagement, and the broader impact of apathy on democratic consolidation. Using a survey of fifty respondents analysed with simple percentages, the study finds that trust in the electoral process is central to participation. A transparent and impartial electoral body was widely viewed as key to ensuring free and fair elections. Conversely, fraud and manipulation by political parties were cited as major causes of low turnout during the 2023 General Elections. Respondents also identified inadequate voter education as a driver of electoral malpractice, while rampant vote-buying further erodes public confidence. To address these challenges, the study recommended comprehensive voter education to enhance civic awareness of rights and responsibilities. Informed citizens are more likely to resist corruption and hold leaders accountable. Stricter regulation of political financing is also necessary to curb the influence of money in politics. Ultimately, tackling voter apathy at every stage of the electoral cycle is essential for building credible elections and achieving democratic consolidation in Nigeria.

Youth participation in politics remains pivotal in the sustenance of a nation’s democracy. Participation does not only ensure that government performs its duties, but also guarantees the rights of ordinary people to participate in their community development. Activities such as voting in an election, sponsoring a candidate, petitioning or participating in a protest are forms of political participation that influence public policy directly or indirectly through affecting the selection process of those who govern the people. The study attempted to examine the impacts of the youths on democratic process in Edo State: A case study of 2023 general elections. The study interrogated the following research questions: What was the level of the youths’ turnout during the 2023 general election in Edo State? What were the different ways the youths participated in the 2023 general election in Edo State? What were the youths’ patterns of voting in 2023 general elections in Edo State? Did the youths indulge in electoral violence in the 2023 general election in Edo State? In what ways can youth political participation and democratic process in Edo State and Nigeria be improved? Theoretically, the study utilized the system theory to explain youth political participation and democratic process in Edo State during the 2023 general election. Methodologically, the study surveyed 392 respondents in Oredo Local Government Area through a structured questionnaire. The study made the following key findings. The first finding was that there was massive youths’ turnout during the general election in Edo State. The second finding was that the youths participated in the elections by joining the INEC team as ad hoc staff, sensitizing the people on how to locate their voting centers and ways to vote in the election and campaigning for their preferred candidates. The third finding shows the patterns for which the youths voted during the 2023 general elections in Edo State. In that order, the pattern were voting to safeguard the future of Edo State and Nigeria’s democracy as well as foster national development, voting based on religion, personality of the candidates, ethnicity and political party. The last finding shows that the youths were also involved in various forms of electoral violence such as voter inducement, ballot box snatching and thuggery. The study therefore recommends that the government should create an enabling environment that can stimulate youths’ participation in the Nigeria’s democratic process, implement the various policies such as ‘Not Too Yong Run’ should be speedily implemented, need for proper sensitization of the Nigerian youths on the need to participate in politics and criminal elements are not good for the growth and development of any country.

The study examined ethnicity and voting in Nigeria: A case study of the 2023 general
elections in Edo State. The objectives of the study were to examine how ethnicity act as significant determinant of political allegiance in Nigeria; to evaluate whether ethnic Composition of Edo State influence the Political Landscape; to ascertain if ethnic voting patterns in the 2023 General Election in Edo State, to find out factors influencing ethnicity and voting in 2023. The study adopted survey design using questionnaires as instrument of data. The study adopted the percentage and chi-square statistical instrument to analyze the data collected from field survey. The findings revealed that ethnicity act as significant determinant of political allegiance in Nigeria, this implies that key drivers included a sense of ethnic solidarity, the perception of political exclusion, and promises of local development. Many voters expressed the belief that electing a candidate from their ethnic group would result in better access to government services and development projects. The ethnic composition of Edo State influence the political landscape, while ethnic voting can be seen as a reflection of communal solidarity, it also poses a threat to democratic ideals by undermining merit-based selection of leaders. It promotes division, fosters electoral violence, and reduces the likelihood of cross-ethnic cooperation. The ethnic voting patterns in the 2025 General Election in Edo State, that is analysis of voting data revealed a strong correlation between ethnic identity and candidate preference. Voters from specific ethnic groups predominantly supported candidates from their communities, particularly in local government areas with high ethnic homogeneity. The study recommended that strengthen civic education programs to emphasize the importance of competence, integrity, and policy alignment in candidate selection. Voters should be educated on the negative consequences of ethnic voting and the benefits of merit-based leadership. Governance foster inclusive equitable distribution of development projects and public appointments across all ethnic groups. This can reduce the perception that political power benefits only specific communities. Introduce electoral reforms to promote proportional representation, which would encourage candidates to seek support beyond their ethnic constituencies. This could be achieved by adjusting constituency boundaries or introducing multi-member constituencies. Political parties should be mandated to promote diversity in candidate selection and ensure that party tickets are distributed in a manner that reflects ethnic balance. Parties should al so be held accountable for promoting inclusion and tolerance.

The study investigates the impact of digital initiatives on election administration during the 2023 General Elections in Edo State, Nigeria. Utilizing a multifaceted approach encompassing surveys, interviews, observational studies, and document analyses, the research aimed to unravel the complexities surrounding technology integration in electoral processes. Key findings unveiled both promising advancements and persistent challenges in the adoption of digital initiatives. The effectiveness of biometric voter registration and electronic voting machines showcased potential benefits in enhancing efficiency and transparency. However, these initiatives encountered hurdles such as technical glitches, infrastructure limitations, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Stakeholder perspectives reflected a blend of optimism and concerns, emphasizing the need for addressing challenges to foster public trust in digital systems. This empirical study contributes significant insights into the Nigerian electoral landscape, guiding evidence-based policymaking and electoral reforms. The recommendations underscore the urgency of infrastructure enhancement, cybersecurity measures, comprehensive training programs, and robust public awareness campaigns to harness technology's potential while addressing inherent challenges in future electoral processes. The study serves as a pivotal guide for stakeholders, policymakers, and electoral bodies in fostering more resilient and technologically-driven electoral systems in Edo State, Nigeria.