Assessment of the Political Representation of Elderly Persons in the Governance of Ondo State of Nigeria between 2003 and 2018

Abstract

The aim of this research study assessed the elderly people’s political representation in the governance of Ondo State between 2003 and 2018. Available and existing literature noted that the elderly people represent huge percentage of the Nigeria’s population as equally obtainable as in Ondo State where the focus of the research work lies. The study therefore investigated the inversely connection of elderly people’s population compared to elective and appointive positions occupied in Ondo State specifically the Executive and legislative levels of governance in the periods under study. The study adopts theories of ageing, activity and political behaviour as its theoretical frameworks to guide the work. The methodology used consists of both primary and secondary data which derived from the use of interview and survey research with attention to the administration and analysis of well-structured questionnaire and the use of Focus Group Discussion. Also, Secondary data sourced through textbooks, journals, Internet Materials and Government Official bulletin on the subject matter, while statistical means such as percentage (count) representation, frequency table and pictorial representation were engaged to analysis the findings of the study. The research examined the impacts of senility, health, malnutrition, lack of shelter, fear of depression, isolation and financial incapacity as constraints to political participation and representation in the governance of Ondo State and Nigeria in general. The outcome of the research study provided essential tools and revelations for scholars, researchers, governments, electoral bodies and public policy analysts in Ondo State and Nigeria in the search for elderly people’s participation in elective and appointive government positions as the outcome enhanced future research study.