A SURVEY OF ELECTORAL VIOLENCE AND DEMOCRATIC CONSOLIDATION IN SOUTH EAST ZONE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the electoral violence and democratic consolidation in Nigeria with special focus in South East Geopolitical Zone. The study was undertaken to identify the factors posing challenge to democratic consolidation in Nigeria particularly in this forth republic with the aim of proffering solutions to that effect. The study adopted survey design method. The multi-stage sampling technique was used select (320) respondents as the sample size from the five states of the South East Zone. Frustration aggressive theory propounded by Bentley (1975) was adopted as the frame work of analysis. The data generated was analyzed using simple percentage and linear regression. The findings indicated that corrupt tendencies among the INEC Officials who connived with desperate politicians to engage in electoral corruption have negatively affected democratic consolidation. It also revealed that inadequate enlightenment among the citizens equally undermined the democratic consolidation particularly in South East Zone of Nigeria. Arising from the findings, therefore, the paper recommended: that those found to be involved in any forms of electoral corruption should be made to face the law so as to serve as a deterrent to others. Also, government should be serous with enlightenment campaign what expand to all part of rural areas in the country in order to keep the people abreast and updated about the political development in the country. That any electoral officer or adhoc staff caught involved or encouraging any forms of electoral practice should be jailed without any option in Nigeria.