POLITICAL PARTICIPATION AND VOTERS’ BEHAVIOUR IN NIGERIA

SUMMARY

This study dwelt on political participation and voters’ behavior in Nigeria, with focus on the 2016 Governorship election in Edo State. The study formulated and answered the following four research questions:

(1.      What was the level of political participation and nature of voters’ behaviours during the 2016  gubernatorial elections in Edo State?

2.        What were the major issues that hampered high level of political participation among the electorates during the 2016 gubernatorial election in Edo State?
3.        To what extent was the electoral body (INEC) able to ensure a free, fair and transparent electoral process during the 2016 gubernatorial elections in Edo State?
4.        What policy options can improve the level of political participation and build positive political behavior in the electorates in subsequent elections in Edo State?

The research further reviewed related literature on the concepts of political participation, voting, election and voting/political behavior. It reviewed work on the determinants of political participation in Nigeria and the level of political participation in the 2016 Governorship election in Edo State. The research applied both the primary and secondary methods of data collection and the main primary data instrument was the questionnaire. The research questions were later answered with both frequency analysis of respondents opinions and relevant literature.