The study identified ways in which the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) informally gets involved in the electoral process in Southwest Nigeria. It also ascertained the implications of the activities of the NURTW on the electoral process and investigated whether there was a uniformity of perspective and approach among the different state branches of the NURTW vis-à-vis their involvement in the electoral process. It also examined how the electoral process in Nigeria may be enhanced to improve voters’ confidence thereby deepening the country’s quest for credible election in Southwest, Nigeria. These were with a view to establishing possible nexus between the NURTW and the electoral process.
Data for the study were gathered through primary and secondary sources. Primary data were sourced via in-depth interview of 50 Key Informant Respondents (KIRs), which comprise personnel from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and National Union of Road Transport Workers (NUTRW), some academics in relevant disciplines from Nigerian universities, card carrying members of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) as well as commuters and electorates. Secondary data sources included books, journal articles, online publications, newspaper editorials, published and unpublished dissertations and via the internet. The data gathered were analysed through thematic analysis.
The study revealed that NURTW informally gets involved in the electoral process in Southwest, Nigeria, through the provision of logistics services such as transportation of election materials. Also, the study established that the involvement of the NURTW in the electoral process enhanced hitch-free conduct of elections. The study found that the nature of the transport union in the Southwest vis-à-vis its leadership structure and modes of operations made it impossible to achieve uniformity in their involvement in elections in the country. The study established that the use of technology in the electoral process during voters’ registration and on the day of election would improve voters’ confidence.
The study concluded that the involvement of the NURTW in the electoral process through the provision of logistics services contributed towards achieving successful elections in Southwest, Nigeria.
Table of Contents
- CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Background of the Study
- 1.2 Statement of the Problem
- 1.3 Research Questions
- 1.4 Research Objectives
- 1.5 Working Assumptions
- 1.6 Scope of the Study
- 1.7 Significance of the Study
- 1.8 Operational Definitions of Terms
- 1.9 Organisation of Study
- CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
- 2.1 Review of Concepts
- 2.1.1 Democracy
- 2.1.2 Elections
- 2.1.3 Interest Groups
- 2.2 Empirical Review
- 2.2.1 Elections and Electioneering Process in Nigeria
- 2.2.2 Politics and Democratization in Nigeria
- 2.2.3 Interest Groups and Democratic Practice in Nigeria
- 2.3 Theoretical Review
- 2.3.1 Theoretical Framework
- 2.4 Gap in Literature
- 2.1 Review of Concepts
- CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY
- 3.1 Research Design
- 3.2 Study Area
- 3.3 Study Population
- 3.4 Sampling Technique and Sample Size
- 3.5 Research Instruments
- 3.6 Validity/Reliability of Research Instruments
- 3.7 Data Collection
- 3.8 Data Analysis
- CHAPTER FOUR: HISTORY AND EVOLUTION OF INTEREST GROUPS IN NIGERIA AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE ELECTIONEERING PROCESS
- CHAPTER FIVE: DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION OF FINDINGS
- 5.1 Data Presentation
- 5.2 Ways in which the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Informally gets Involved in the Electoral Process in Southwest, Nigeria
- 5.3 Implications of the activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) on the Electoral Process in Southwest, Nigeria
- 5.4 Uniformity of Perspective and Approach among the different State Branches of the NURTW vis-a-vis their involvement in the Electoral Process
- 5.5 How the Electoral Process in Nigeria may be enhanced to Improve Voters' Confidence thereby deepening the Democratic Process in the Country
- 5.6 Discussion of Findings
Objectives and Key Themes
This thesis aims to investigate the informal involvement of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the electoral process in Southwest Nigeria between 2015 and 2020. It seeks to understand the union's methods, the implications of their actions on the electoral process, and potential avenues for improving voter confidence and deepening democracy.
- The role of interest groups in Nigerian elections.
- The influence of the NURTW on the electoral process in Southwest Nigeria.
- The impact of NURTW activities on voter confidence and democratic processes.
- Analysis of the consistency of NURTW involvement across different state branches.
- Recommendations for enhancing the electoral process in Nigeria.
Chapter Summaries
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION: This chapter sets the stage for the research, introducing the background of the study, stating the problem, outlining the research questions and objectives, and defining the scope and significance of the work. It lays the groundwork for understanding the context and purpose of the investigation into the NURTW's influence on the electoral process in Southwest Nigeria. Key terms are defined to ensure clarity throughout the thesis. The organizational structure of the study is also presented.
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW: This chapter provides a comprehensive review of existing literature relevant to the study. It explores key concepts such as democracy, elections, and interest groups, examining their theoretical and empirical applications within the Nigerian context. The chapter synthesizes previous research on elections, democratization, and the role of interest groups in Nigeria, identifying gaps in existing knowledge that this thesis aims to address. This foundational chapter is essential to framing the current research within the broader academic discourse.
CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY: This chapter details the research design, methodology, and data collection techniques employed in the study. It describes the study area, population, sampling methods, research instruments, and data analysis strategies used to investigate the NURTW's involvement in the electoral process. The chapter also addresses the validity and reliability of the research instruments used to ensure the credibility and trustworthiness of the findings. A clear and concise methodology section is crucial for assessing the rigor and scientific approach of the research.
CHAPTER FOUR: HISTORY AND EVOLUTION OF INTEREST GROUPS IN NIGERIA AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE ELECTIONEERING PROCESS: This chapter provides a historical overview of interest groups in Nigeria and their evolution, focusing on their impact on the electioneering process. It explores the historical context within which the NURTW operates, providing essential background information for understanding the union's current role in elections.
CHAPTER FIVE: DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION OF FINDINGS: This chapter presents the analysis of collected data, revealing how the NURTW engages informally with the electoral process in Southwest Nigeria. It explores the implications of these actions on the electoral process and examines whether there is consistency in approach across different state branches of the NURTW. The chapter also offers potential solutions for enhancing the electoral process to improve voter confidence and strengthen democratic principles.
Keywords
NURTW, electoral process, Southwest Nigeria, interest groups, democracy, elections, voter confidence, democratization, political participation, electioneering, Nigeria.
Frequently asked questions about "Language Preview"
What is the main topic of the Language Preview?
The Language Preview provides an overview of a thesis investigating the informal involvement of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the electoral process in Southwest Nigeria between 2015 and 2020.
What are the primary objectives of the research outlined in the preview?
The research aims to understand the NURTW's methods of involvement, the implications of their actions on the electoral process, potential avenues for improving voter confidence, and deepening democracy in Nigeria.
What key themes are explored in the research?
The key themes include: the role of interest groups in Nigerian elections; the influence of the NURTW on the electoral process in Southwest Nigeria; the impact of NURTW activities on voter confidence and democratic processes; analysis of the consistency of NURTW involvement across different state branches; and recommendations for enhancing the electoral process in Nigeria.
What does Chapter One: Introduction cover?
Chapter One sets the stage for the research by introducing the background of the study, stating the problem, outlining the research questions and objectives, and defining the scope and significance of the work. It also includes definitions of key terms and the organization of the study.
What is the purpose of Chapter Two: Literature Review?
Chapter Two provides a comprehensive review of existing literature relevant to the study, exploring key concepts such as democracy, elections, and interest groups within the Nigerian context. It synthesizes previous research and identifies gaps in knowledge that the thesis aims to address.
What information is found in Chapter Three: Methodology?
Chapter Three details the research design, methodology, and data collection techniques employed in the study. It describes the study area, population, sampling methods, research instruments, and data analysis strategies used to investigate the NURTW's involvement in the electoral process. It also addresses the validity and reliability of research instruments.
What does Chapter Four: History and Evolution of Interest Groups in Nigeria and their Impact on the Electioneering Process discuss?
Chapter Four provides a historical overview of interest groups in Nigeria and their evolution, focusing on their impact on the electioneering process. It provides context for understanding the NURTW's role in elections.
What is the focus of Chapter Five: Data Analysis and Presentation of Findings?
Chapter Five presents the analysis of collected data, revealing how the NURTW engages informally with the electoral process in Southwest Nigeria. It explores the implications of these actions on the electoral process and examines the consistency of approach across different state branches of the NURTW. The chapter also offers potential solutions for enhancing the electoral process to improve voter confidence and strengthen democratic principles.
What are the keywords associated with this research?
The keywords include: NURTW, electoral process, Southwest Nigeria, interest groups, democracy, elections, voter confidence, democratization, political participation, electioneering, and Nigeria.
- Quote paper
- Rasak Salaam (Author), 2023, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Electoral Process in Southwest Nigeria (2015–2020), Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1591627
