AN EXAMINATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF IDENTITY POLITICS ON ELECTORAL CHOICES IN NIGERIA’S 2023 GUBERNATORIAL ELECTIONS

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study The concept of identity politics—though retrospectively applied to earlier movements—centers on political ideologies and actions that are rooted in specific elements of an individual’s identity, such as ethnicity, race, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, social class, caste, and other defining social categories (Bernard, 2017). As defined by Oluwole (2019), identity politics involves mobilizing political advocacy around these identity markers. In the Nigerian context, identity politics has significantly shaped political behavior and electoral decisions. Since gaining independence, Nigeria has continued to grapple with the challenges posed by identity-based divisions within its political system. Even after over six decades of self-rule, these divisions remain deeply entrenched (Tare, 2023). While the Fourth Republic, established in 1999, has enabled uninterrupted democratic transitions, it still falls short of embodying what Sklar (2017), as cited by Chike et al. (2017) and Oluwole (2019), described as developmental democracy. The pervasive grip of identity politics in Nigeria raises concerns about its threat to democratic progress, with key political actors seemingly contradicting the notion that democracy should inherently support national development (Abayomi & Christian, 2023). Electoral behavior in Nigeria has historically been shaped by identity affiliations. Politicians and political parties often exploit ethnic, religious, and regional sentiments to galvanize support. This practice fosters a politicized form of identity, wherein voters are swayed more by shared affiliations than by candidates’ policy positions or performance (Bonte, 2019). The 2023 gubernatorial elections at the state level provided a prime opportunity to analyze how identity-based politics influences voter choices. The presence of multiple candidates from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds further emphasized the ways in which identity politics interacted with electoral strategies. The general elections of 2019 revealed how deeply ethnicity, religion, and regionalism influence electoral outcomes in Nigeria (Adebayo, 2019). Similarly, the 2023 elections were characterized by a heavy reliance on identity appeals, further demonstrating the influence of identity on political behavior. Politicians regularly draw on ethno-religious affiliations to mobilize their voter bases, often leading to increased polarization and marginalization of minority groups. This trend detracts from policy-based governance, shifting focus away from pressing issues like economic development and national security. Furthermore, it fuels social division and in extreme cases, political violence. Basil (2024) warns that such divisive politics undermines the development of national identity and erodes social cohesion. Taraba State, located in Nigeria’s northeastern region, exemplifies the complexity of identity politics. It is home to a highly diverse population with multiple ethnic groups including the Jukun, Chamba, Kuteb, Mumuye, Tiv, and Fulani (Bala, 2022). These ethno-religious identities frequently shape political alignment and electoral behavior within the state. As such, this study aims to explore how identity politics influenced voting patterns during the 2023 gubernatorial elections in Taraba State. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Nigeria’s political terrain—particularly in heterogeneous states like Taraba—is profoundly influenced by identity politics. Ethnic, religious, and regional identities often play pivotal roles in shaping political alliances, campaign strategies, and voter behavior. This raises pressing concerns about the implications of identity-based politics on electoral integrity and democratic consolidation. In the 2023 Taraba State governorship election, the diverse composition of the population—including the Jukun, Kuteb, Chamba, Mumuye, Tiv, and Fulani ethnic groups—exemplified how identity markers have historically dictated political loyalties and voting trends (Oni, 2023). Despite continuous efforts to promote national unity and inclusive governance, identity politics remains a dominant force. Politicians continue to exploit ethnic and religious divisions to garner support, sidelining policy-oriented discourse and undermining democratic values (Segun, 2024). This approach perpetuates societal division and hampers efforts to build a cohesive nation (Chris, 2024). The subject of identity politics has sparked significant debate within both academic and political circles. Proponents argue that it provides a platform for marginalized groups to advocate for their rights, while critics contend that it fosters tribalism and undermines liberal democratic principles. Adebanwi and Obadare (2023) have observed that identity politics in Nigeria is frequently weaponized, not only to incite electoral violence but also to establish patronage networks that reinforce corruption and systemic inequality. Ugochukwu and Chris (2023) provide a useful lens for analyzing the role of identity politics in Nigerian elections. Their study notes how candidates frequently mobilize voters based on shared ethno-religious identities, thereby shaping electoral outcomes. However, while this strategy can generate voter enthusiasm, it can also trigger intergroup conflict and weaken democratic norms. The authors emphasize the need for political leaders and civil society organizations to champion inclusive politics that minimize the divisive effects of identity politics. Given this background, the study seeks to critically examine the extent to which identity politics influenced voting behavior in the 2023 governorship election in Taraba State, and by extension, assess its broader implications for democracy in Nigeria. 1.3 Objectives of the study The primary objective of this study is to examine the Influence of Identity Politics on Electoral Choices in Nigeria’s 2023 Gubernatorial Elections. Specific objectives of this study are to: i.To analyze the role of ethnic identity in shaping voter behavior in Taraba State. ii.To evaluate the role of religious identity in shaping voter preference in Taraba State. iii.To examine how political parties and candidates utilize identity politics in their campaigns in 2023 Taraba state governorship election. iv.To assess the impacts of identity politics on the overall electoral outcome in Taraba State 1.4 Research Questions The following research questions which are in line with the objectives of this study will be answered in this study: i.How did ethnic identity influence voter’s behaviour in Taraba state? ii.How did religious identity influence voter’s preference in Taraba state? iii.How did political parties and candidates utilize identity politics in their campaigns in 2023 Taraba state governorship election? iv.What are the impacts of identity politics on the overall electoral outcome in Taraba State? 1.5 Research Hypotheses To determine the effectiveness of this study, the following research null hypotheses will be formulated to guide the study and it will be tested at 0.05% levels of significance.: Ho: There are no significant impact of identity politics on the overall electoral outcome in Taraba State. Ha: There are significant impact of identity politics on the overall electoral outcome in Taraba State. 1.6 Significance of the study The importance of this study rests in its capacity to enhance comprehension of how identity politics impacts voting behavior in Taraba State, providing valuable insights that are applicable to both academic research and practical implementations in Nigerian politics and government. Taraba State, similar to several areas in Nigeria, is distinguished by a multitude of ethnic and religious affiliations. An examination of how different identities impact voting behavior can yield useful insights into the unique electoral dynamics of this region. Having this comprehension is vital for political parties, candidates, and officials who want to plan and execute effective strategies in upcoming elections. The study also  aims to analyze voter preferences impacted by ethnic or religious affiliations in order to gain insights into how these factors can impact the priorities of elected officials and influence policies that try to address the different needs of communities. Empirically, the study makes an academic contribution to the existing body of literature on political behavior, electoral studies, and identity politics in African contexts. It offers factual information and analysis that might guide future research efforts. Furthermore, policymakers can utilize your discoveries to develop more efficient election regulations and interventions that foster inclusivity and reduce the hazards linked to identity-based politics. 1.7 Scope of the study Broadly, this study focus is the Influence of Identity Politics on Electoral Choices in Nigeria’s 2023 Gubernatorial Elections. Specifically, this study seeks to analyze the role of ethnic identity in shaping voter behavior in Nigeria and evaluate the role of religious identity in shaping voter preference in Nigeria.  Further, this study will focus on examining how political parties and candidates utilize identity politics in their campaigns in Nigeria and it also seeks to assess the impacts of identity politics on the overall electoral outcome in Nigeria.  The study is carried out in Jalingo, Taraba State.  1.8 Limitations of the study Like in any human attempt, the researchers encountered several small limits during the investigation. The primary constraint was the dearth of comprehensive literature on the topic, given the scarcity of data pertaining to the Impact of Identity Politics on Voting Behavior in the 2023 Governorship Election in Taraba State. Therefore, a substantial investment of time and effort was required to identify the suitable materials, books, or information and to collect data.  Moreover, this study is limited by its diminutive sample size and restricted geographical range, concentrating just on Jalingo, Taraba state. Hence, the findings of this study cannot be extrapolated, thereby necessitating additional research.  Furthermore, the researcher's restraints were predominantly attributable to financial limitations, as they are a student without a means of revenue to support themselves. The research location's high transportation costs, impacted by current inflation in Nigeria, made it difficult to afford transportation fees. In addition, the researcher encountered a time limitation as a result of the necessity to do this research while simultaneously meeting the responsibilities of attending lectures and engaging in other educational pursuits. 1.9 Definition of terms Politics: Politics is the way that people living in groups make planned decisions. Politics is about making agreements between people so that they can live together in groups such as tribes, cities, or countries. In large groups, such as countries, some people may spend a lot of their time making such agreements. Identity politics: Identity politics is politics based on a particular identity, such as ethnicity, race, nationality, religion, denomination, gender, sexual orientation, social background, caste, and social class. Voting behavior: Voting behavior refers to how people decide how to vote. This decision is shaped by a complex interplay between an individual voter's attitudes as well as social factors. Voter attitudes include characteristics such as ideological predisposition, party identity, degree of satisfaction with the existing government, public policy leanings, and feelings about a candidate's personality traits.