Youth and the electoral violence in Nigeria’s democratic regime: Lesson for youth ahead of 2023 general election

Abstract

This study is a qualitative research data in which data where collected from the secondary sources from books, journals and the government reports. Youth in democratic governance have been used to thwarting the election process or creating confusion that could led to generate doubt in the conduct of free, fair and credible election. Employing thug to boycott the legal procedure in order to win the election or disruption the election creating avenue for electoral violence to manifest. Electoral violence is among the major factors that affect the democratic regime in Nigeria. Throughout the history of democratic governance in Nigeria, electoral violence have affected negatively the socio-political and economic wellbeing and democratization process that has been struggled to put place in the country since the independence. This paper examines the manifestations of electoral violence instigated by youth in Nigerian democracy. The findings showsnumerous factors that contributed to the electoral violence in democratic governance of Nigeria. These factors comprise electoral rigging which manifests in various stages such as snatching of ballot box, and voters buying, godfatherism and institutional incapacity in managing election and mismanagement.