An assessment of factors responsible for voter apathy in Africa: Empirical evidence from 2019 Nigerian presidential election

• Main Authors: Madu, Abdulrazak Yuguda, Abdulmalik, Tijani Amoto
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: 2020
• Subjects: JZ International relations
• Online Access: http://repo.uum.edu.my/28042/1/INSORPAD%20441%20451.pdf; http://repo.uum.edu.my/28042/
• Institution: Universiti Utara Malaysia

Nigeria is a heterogeneous country which is known for her ethnic and cultural diversity. The need to involve citizens in the business of governance is one of the reasons that inform the modern democratic thinking. Unfortunately, Nigeria has recorded military intervention since the country gained independence in 1960 not until 1999 till date that the country has been experiencing stable democracy without military intervention. After the country returned to civil rule in 1999 during the fourth republic, the country has recorded uninterrupted democratic governance for over two decades. Though, not without some hindrances and one of these challenges is voter apathy which has been on an increase in every election. In 2003, the number of voter turnout was 69.1% of registered voters and unfortunately, the last election that was held in 2019 saw a total decline in voter turnout to 34.75% as reported by the election umpire. The decline in voter turnout has been consistent since 2003 and this continuous drop in the voter turnout informed this research study to examine the factors responsible for low voter turnout in Nigeria for the period of 2003-2019. The theoretical framework adopted for the study was Rational Choice Theory (RCT). To achieve the aim of this study, the study adopted cross sectional survey research design and relied on primary source of data through the help of structured questionnaire. The result obtained from administered questionnaire was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation. The results revealed among other things that one of the major factors responsible for low voter turnout in Nigeria is lack of fulfillment of campaign promises by the political office holders. The study recommended among other things that there should be proper sensitization of electorates by necessary stakeholders and other relevant authorities by encouraging electorates to use their power judiciously by voting out candidates who fail to fulfill campaign promises as this will serve as deterrent for other political aspirants.