DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE AND POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN THE NIGERIAN 2015 GENERAL ELECTIONS: A SURVEY OF EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

This study examined citizens’ involvement in political activities particularly voting and its relationship with democratic governance. The study adopted quantitative means of data collection. The survey research methodology was used for the study. A sample of 200 respondents was taken from the population of Edo state using the stratified sampling technique. The questionnaire instrument was utilized for the collection of data which was analyzed by simple percentages. The findings of this study revealed that 86.5% of the respondents are registered voters but just 49.1% of those that are registered voted in the just concluded 2015 election. In addition, it was discovered that only 33.5% of the respondents believe in the electoral system in Nigeria. Thus, the citizens of Nigeria have no confidence in the electoral system resulting in low electoral participation. Based on these findings, it is recommended that there is an urgent need for political enlightenment in Nigeria. Also, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be more transparent and impartial at every stage of the electoral process as this will help to instill confidence in the electoral system.