Political party elite and election-related violence in Nigeria: The nexus and implications for democracy and governance

Abstract

Failure to conduct violence-free elections in Nigeria has frequently reflected in the writings of local and foreign election observers and monitoring groups. Previous studies have devoted much attention to the consequences of electoral violence on sustenance and consolidation of democracy but less attention has been paid to the role political party elite play in this violence. This study examined the role of political party elite in election-related violence in Nigeria, 2011-2019. It equally assessed its nexus and implications for democracy and governance. The study utilized documentary research method using qualitative documentary analysis to analyze the data obtained from secondary sources following four-step approach. Findings revealed that political party elite exerted greater influence on politically-sponsored thugs, who were utilized to perpetrate election-related violence due to zerosum game, winners-takes-all syndrome, and non-punishment of electoral offenders with far-reaching implications for popular participation, free, fair and credible election, party politics, leadership legitimacy and stable polity. The study submitted that curbing party elite-sponsored electoral violence requires that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Assembly wake up to their responsibility of ensuring strict enforcement of laws for electoral offences as this would deter both sponsors and perpetrators from engaging in violence during election.

Election Related Conflicts in Nigeria: The Role of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

“…Again, INEC in contemporary times has requested candidates from different political parties to sign peace accords in order to mitigate election-related conflict and encourage issuebased campaigns; refrain from using inflammatory language or hate speech; as well as enjoin party supporters to avoid violent conduct that could jeopardize the credibility of elections (Moliki, 2021). The Commission has also collaborated with Nigerian and international civil society organizations and has established a stakeholders forum where INEC and stakeholders can share ideas in order to promote a peaceful process.…”

Democracy, Peace, and Religion in Nigeria: Can Religion Be Used to Consolidate or Undermine Democracy and Peace?

“…However, despite these challenges, the country did not witness military disruption of the electoral and democratic processes. The country witnessed a successive transfer of power to five elected presidents, governors, and other members of the legislature and other representatives across all levels (Moliki 2021;Ashindorbe 2022). These were regarded as actions and pathways towards the consolidation, deepening, stable, and mature democratic regime in the country.…”