VIOLENCE AND THE ELECTORAL PROCESS IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF THE 2007 GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION IN PLATEAU STATE
VIOLENCE AND THE ELECTORAL PROCESS IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF THE 2007 GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION IN PLATEAU STATE
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Date
2011-06
Authors
TANIMU, Apat Kiden
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Abstract
The history of human existence is replete with one form of violence or another. Violence
is therefore not a recent development. It has occurred and may occur whenever and
wherever there is a clash of interest between individuals and or groups. Violence is also
used as a weapon by some people to realize or achieve certain ends. This implies that
violence manifests in different forms and dimensions. The phenomenon that is
associated with the Nigerian electoral process is violence in Nigeria is characterized by
thuggery, intimidation, molestation and assassination. Against the prevalence of
electoral violence, this research examined the factors responsible for the outbreak of
violence in the 2007 Gubernatorial Elections in Plateau State. Specifically, the work
examined why for the first time politicians in Plateau State resorted to assassination of
an aspirant in the quest for political power. The researcher used the group theory as its
theoretical framework because of group and individual interest used in achieving their
political ambitions. Data for the research were collected from primary and secondary
sources. Relevant information gathered from primary sources involved the use of
structured questionnaire and oral interviews were conducted among the politicians. The
data from primary and oral interviews were analyzed using frequency tables and
percentages. The analysis of the result shows that; ethno-religious consideration, lack of
political will by government in implementing committee recommendations have
impacted negatively on the electoral process in the 2007 Gubernatorial elections in
Plateau State. Based on these findings it is recommended that there should be more
enlightenment campaigns to sensitize Nigerians on the danger of electoral voience
Description
A thesis sumitted by the dapartment of political science.faculty of social science Ahamadu Bello University Zaria.
Keywords
VIOLENCE,, ELECTORAL PROCESS IN NIGERIA,, CASE STUDY,, 2007 GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION,, PLATEAU STATE