ANALYSIS ON PREVALENCE OF ELECTORAL VIOLENCE DURING GENERAL ELECTIONS AND IMPACT IN NIGERIA(2019-2023)

1.1 Background of the Study Historically, elections in Nigeria have been consistently marred by violence and destruction. Opponents have suffered harm through bloodshed, arson, killings, and physical assaults—acts carried out not only by political thugs and party loyalists but also by security forces aligned with particular candidates. Elections were first introduced during colonial rule in response to demands by nationalists seeking increased involvement in governance. The 1922 introduction of electoral principles marked the beginning of Nigerians occupying certain political positions for the first time. Despite limitations in voting rights and representation, these early steps were seen as major achievements by nationalists striving for democratic inclusion (Ebobueze & Ojirika, 2017). After 1922, elections were conducted across different regions to elect leaders at national, regional, and local levels. According to Ita (2022), the 1959 general election was particularly significant in ushering Nigeria towards independence. Since then, the country has held various elections, transitioning between civilian and military regimes. Between 1964 and 2015, a recurring issue has been the prevalence of electoral violence and irregularities. Political actors have normalized these violent tactics, treating bloodshed as part of the path to power. Since independence, electoral violence in Nigeria has grown more sophisticated, with politicians becoming more entrenched in such practices. The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES, 2007) reported 967 cases of electoral violence during the 2007 elections, including kidnapping, abductions, killings, riots, assaults, and destruction of campaign materials. That same year, over 300 lives were lost due to election-related violence. In April 2011, post-election violence in Northern Nigeria led to the deaths of over 800 people—one of the deadliest political incidents in Nigeria’s history (Falana, 2023). The CLEEN Foundation’s “Third Security Threat Assessment” predicted a high risk of electoral violence in 15 volatile Nigerian states during the 2015 elections (FrankCollins, 2015). Similarly, the 2019 and 2023 general elections were riddled with violence, which appeared to be deliberate efforts to undermine democracy in Nigeria. These elections were expected to restore the people’s power to freely choose their leaders through a transparent and accountable process. Although Nigeria's transition to civilian rule in 1999 was a major democratic milestone, the elections were not without flaws (Ikyase & Egberi, 2015). Widespread reports of electoral malpractice and violence overshadowed what should have been a positive development. Efforts were made to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process, yet the 1999 elections were tainted by cases of voter intimidation, ballot manipulation, vote-buying, and falsified results in certain areas. Nonetheless, Nigerians, eager for change and self-determination, actively participated in this turning point in their nation’s political history (Kohnert, 2023). The successful conduct of the 1999 elections brought President Olusegun Obasanjo into power through democratic means. His inauguration signified Nigeria’s renewed commitment to democratic values, human rights, and good governance, marking the beginning of a new chapter. This shift led to major political and socio-economic reforms. Democratic governance gave Nigerians greater freedom to express themselves, engage in civic discourse, and influence national decisions (Segun, 2013). Democratic institutions were revitalized, with the executive, legislative, and judicial branches functioning independently and serving as checks and balances for governance (Segun, 2013). Since the return to democracy in 1999, elections have been held regularly— in 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and most recently in 2023. Each of these electoral cycles has played a crucial role in Nigeria’s democratic development and reshaping of its political structure. However, recurring issues—such as electoral fraud, voter intimidation, violence, and allegations of rigging—continue to challenge the credibility of these elections. These challenges remain a concern even as efforts are made to improve the transparency and fairness of the electoral process. Unfortunately, the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections were again marred by violence, with widespread accusations pointing fingers at the ruling elite (Ita, 2023). Given these persistent issues, the researcher aims to examine the patterns and history of electoral violence during the 2019 and 2023 general elections. 1.2 Statement of the Problem One major challenge in addressing electoral violence is the absence of a universally accepted definition. This ambiguity is partly due to the controversial notion of “violence begets violence,” a concept popularized by Frantz Fanon during the anti-colonial struggles. According to Fanon’s argument, those who retaliate after being attacked may not perceive themselves as violent, insisting instead that they are simply resisting aggression (Ikelegbe, 2019). Therefore, forming a precise working definition requires an understanding of its many dimensions. Electoral violence encompasses physical, psychological, legal, administrative, and structural forms of violence. It can occur at any stage of the electoral process—before, during, or after elections—and may take place within or between political parties. This violence can be instigated by candidates, party supporters, sympathisers, security forces, or even officials of the electoral commission (Adibe, 2023). While electoral violence exists in many democracies, more mature democracies have developed strategies to reduce its impact. In contrast, in many African nations—especially Nigeria—political leaders, whether in office or in opposition, often resort to desperate tactics to hold onto or gain power. The government and relevant stakeholders have yet to adopt a firm, unified stance to address electoral violence comprehensively. Preventive measures remain inadequate, and perpetrators are rarely held accountable, allowing the cycle of violence to continue unchecked (Adibe, 2023). This impunity has normalized electoral violence in Nigeria, where victims bear the consequences while offenders go free. Such acts violate human rights, threaten lives, and erode the foundation of justice. Electoral violence must not be tolerated in a society aspiring to build a strong and functional democracy. Unfortunately, the Nigerian electoral system has not fostered a healthy political environment where civil dialogue and compromise thrive (Adibe, 2023). Instead, politics has increasingly become a battleground of hostility, intense competition, and suppression. This environment discourages meaningful voter participation and undermines public trust in the democratic process. It is against this background that the researcher seeks to investigate the history and impact of electoral violence in Nigeria, with specific reference to the 2019 and 2023 general elections. 1.3 Objective of the study The broad objective of the study is to Analyze Electoral Violence During the 2019 and 2023 General Elections in Nigeria. The specific objectives is as follows i. Analyze the historical background of electoral violence in Nigeria leading up to the 2019 and 2023 general elections ii. Explore the specific triggers and underlying causes of electoral violence during the 2019 and 2023 general elections. iii. Evaluate the dynamic patterns of electoral violence which has been perpetrated during the 2019 and 2023 general elections in Nigeria. iv. Ascertain the implications of electoral violence perpetrated during the 2019 and 2023 general elections in Nigeria 1.4 Research Questions The following questions have been prepared to guide the study i. What is the historical background of electoral violence in Nigeria leading up to the 2019 and 2023 general elections? ii. What are the specific triggers and underlying causes of electoral violence during the 2019 and 2023 general elections? iii. What is the dynamic patterns of electoral violence which has been perpetrated during the 2019 and 2023 general elections in Nigeria? iv. What is the implications of electoral violence perpetrated during the 2019 and 2023 general elections in Nigeria? 1.5 Significance of the study It is hoped that the findings of the study will be significant to the following: INEC: the findings of the study will be significant to INEC as it will reveal their lapses and challenges in the conduction of elections in Nigeria, the study will recommend strategies that the electoral body can use to reduce the incidence of electoral violence. Nigerian government: the findings of the study will be significant to the Nigerian government and policy makers as it will reveal the extent to which electoral violence has marred citizens participation in their civic responsibility. The study will also recommend that the government partners with secuity agencies both in and out of Nigeria so as to enjoy a free flow election which is devoid of violence. The study will also be of great importance to the department of political science as the findings of this study will contribute to the pool of existing literature in the subject matter. Academia: the findings of the study will be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature 1.6 Scope of the study The study focuses on the history of electoral violence in the 2019 and 2023 general elections. Empirically, the study will analyze the historical background of electoral violence in Nigeria leading up to the 2019 and 2023 general elections, explore the specific triggers and underlying causes of electoral violence during the 2019 and 2023 general elections, evaluate the dynamic patterns of electoral violence which has been perpetrated during the 2019 and 2023 general elections in Nigeria and ascertain the implications of electoral violence perpetrated during the 2019 and 2023 general elections in Nigeria. 1.7 Organization of the study The study consisted of five chapters. Chapter one comprised background of the study and a general introduction to the work. It included statement of problem of the study, highlighted the objectives of the study, the scope within which the research was conducted is also highlighted. An outline of how the work is organized is also detailed in the chapter one. The chapter two of the study reviewed Analyze the historical background of electoral violence in Nigeria leading up to the 2019 and 2023 general elections. Chapter three explore the specific triggers and underlying causes of electoral violence during the 2019 and 2023 general election. Chapter four evaluate the dynamic patterns of electoral violence which has been perpetrated during the 2019 and 2023 general elections in Nigeria, ascertain the implications of electoral violence perpetrated during the 2019 and 2023 general elections in Nigeria and the chapter five is a summary of the major findings with recommendations and conclusion to the study.