The New From the Ashes of the Old: A Ctitique of Electoral Violence in Nigeria (1999-2019)
Author:
Joseph AIHIE
Co-Authors:
Daniel Ayodele OROBATOR
Abstract:
Election is the most vital requirement for the sustenance of democracy inmodern states. The importance of election can be in the vigor and resource that is beingcommitted into the process. However, certain anomaly has been the process of electionin Nigeria. The gradual evolution of electioneering in Nigeria has shown that when thecontest for elective positions is perceived as an investment, it must be recouped onceone wins an election; and once so elected, there isa tendency for historical larceny fromthe public treasury. It follows that the dividends of democracy can never be discharged10 the electorate because the funds meant for public project/building of infrastructure orrendering of services, is diverted into private pockets as rents pre-bends and reward togodfathers who sponsor the public office holders. More crucial is the fact that, as werethe experiences of I Republic, every election in Nigeria since 1999 has been marred byviolence. This recrudescent trajectory indubitably jeopardizes Nigeria's quest for aconsolidated democratic heritage and places Nigeria perpetually underdeveloped; andit needs to be reversed. Consequently, this theoretical and qualitative research looksinto existing print and online literature to examine the real or perceived causal factorsand effect of electoral violence in Nigeria. It concludes that electoral violence stalled ordenied the country of genuine leadership and good governance. Hence, severalpossible ways as to redirecting the undesirable trajectory, away from electoralviolence, but towards peaceful modes and attitudes are suggested.
Publication Year:
2022
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