This study examined the impact of political accountability on voter turnout in Nigeria’s elections (1999 – 2015). The objectives were to examine the impact of lack of political accountability on voter turnout and how voters could hold their representatives accountable to increase voter turnout in Nigeria’s elections. This work was anchored on two theories: the "Rational Choice Theory" and the "Civic Duty Theory" of Voter Turnout.
The former stressed that voters vote to maximize benefits, while the latter considered fulfilment of civic duty as the major consideration for voting. This research made use of descriptive research design and survey method. The data employed for the study were gathered from both primary (questionnaire) and secondary (books, journals etc) sources. Both content and statistical (tables, charts, percentages) analytical techniques were used in the interpretation and analysis of data. A purposive (judgmental) sampling method was adopted in this research. A sampling size of 1,200 respondents, 200 from each of the states across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria was used for study. INEC and FES (2011) provided the nationally representative sampling method adopted in this research.The findings were that lack of political accountability exacerbated low voter turnout. It also bred corruption, insecurity, violence and opaque governance system which diminished voters’ interest in elections. It also observed that the average percentage of voter turnout in the elections conducted in Nigeria from 1999 to 2015 was 48%. In relation to the eligible voters, it was 36% in the same period.
This work concluded that there is the need for the accountability of political and public officeholders in Nigeria to improve voter turnout in elections. It recommended political accountability of political officeholders and electronic voting system to ensure increase in voter turnout in elections in Nigeria.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Background to the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Research Assumptions
1.6 Significance of the Study
1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
2. Literature Review
2.1 Theoretical Framework
2.2 Conceptual/Theoretical Literature Review
2.2.1 The Concept of Voter Turnout and Democracy
2.2.2 The Concept of Political Accountability
2.3 Empirical Literature Review
2.3.1 Trend in Voter Turnout across the Globe and in Nigeria
2.3.2 The Impact of Political Accountability on Voter Turnout in Nigeria
2.3.3 Solutions Proffered by Previous Researchers on how to Improve Voter Turnout in Nigeria
3. Research Methodology
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Population of the Study
3.3 Sampling Method
3.4 Method and Instrument of Data Collection
3.5 Instrument Validity and Reliability
3.6 Data Analysis and Interpretation
4. Results and Discussions
4.1 Data Presentation
4.2 Data Analysis and Interpretation
4.3 Discussion of Findings/Implication of the Study
5. Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations
5.1 Summary
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendations
5.4 Contribution to Knowledge
Research Objectives and Themes
This study aims to examine the impact of political accountability on voter turnout in Nigerian elections between 1999 and 2015, specifically exploring why a lack of responsibility from political office holders contributes to voter apathy and how fostering accountability could revitalize democratic participation.
- The relationship between political accountability and voter turnout in Nigeria.
- Historical analysis of voter turnout trends during the Fourth Republic.
- The influence of political violence, insecurity, and electoral manipulation on voter participation.
- Strategies for enhancing political accountability and institutionalizing democratic processes.
- The role of electronic voting systems and compulsory voting as potential solutions.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Background to the Study
Democracy the world over guarantees representation. Citizens are given the opportunity to be represented in the process of policy making and implementation through representative elections. Citizens participate in government through their representatives in indirect liberal democracies. They expect report or feedback by way of an account of what their representatives are doing in government to better their lot with their mandate. When this is not the case, and they discover that their representatives are only interested in what will improve their (representatives) welfare, they become disappointed (Osakwe, 2011).
The excitement that elections generate through the fulfillment of civic responsibility is expected to go with high turnout of voters. Unfortunately, this has not been the case in Nigeria and most democracies. Voter turnout during elections has not been very encouraging in Nigeria since independence. Many reasons abound as to why there is loss of interest in voting by voters. Researchers have not adequately addressed the nexus between political accountability and voter turnout in elections in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s democracy is party based and representative with a secular decline in electoral turnout. From 1959 to date, lack of political accountability of political office holders has led to a steady decline in voter turnout (Okekeocha, 2013). In 1959, the registered voters for the election to the House of Representatives to occupy the 312 vacant seats prior to independence in 1960 were 9.1million (Oladasu, 2015). The vote cast and recorded for the candidates and political parties for the election was 7.2million. This was 79.1% of the registered voters. Nigeria had an estimated population of 50million in 1959 (NPC, 2015). Therefore, in relation to the population, 18.2% registered and 14.4% voted during the election. This marginal turnout of voters prior to independence was due to lack of political accountability as elite’s extravagance and corruption had already been carried over by the indigenous politicians from the colonialists.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter provides the background of the study, the problem statement, objectives, research questions, assumptions, significance, and scope of the research.
2. Literature Review: This section covers theoretical frameworks, including Rational Choice Theory and Civic Duty Theory, alongside an empirical review of voter turnout trends globally and within Nigeria.
3. Research Methodology: This chapter details the descriptive and historical research design, population, sampling techniques, and data collection instruments used to analyze voter behavior.
4. Results and Discussions: This chapter presents the data gathered from the field survey, including tables and figures analyzing voter turnout and the impact of political accountability.
5. Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations: The final chapter summarizes the research findings, offers conclusions, and suggests practical recommendations for enhancing political accountability and voter turnout in Nigeria.
Keywords
Political Accountability, Voter Turnout, Nigerian Democracy, Fourth Republic, Electoral Process, Political Participation, Civic Duty, Voter Apathy, Electoral Violence, Political Corruption, Governance, Representative Democracy, Election Integrity, Institutional Accountability, Voter Education.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
This research examines the correlation between political accountability and voter turnout in Nigerian elections, specifically investigating how the perceived or actual lack of accountability by political office holders influences voter participation.
What are the central themes addressed in the work?
The study centers on the decline of voter turnout in Nigeria, the impact of corruption and elite behavior on democratic legitimacy, and the role of civic duty in motivating citizens to vote.
What is the core objective of the study?
The primary objective is to determine how lack of political accountability contributes to low voter turnout and to identify mechanisms that can restore trust in the electoral system.
What research methodology was employed?
The study utilized a descriptive research design combined with a survey method, incorporating primary data from 1,200 respondents across six geopolitical zones and secondary data from historical electoral records.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body covers the theoretical foundations of democratic participation, a comprehensive historical review of Nigerian elections from 1959 to 2015, and an analysis of field survey results regarding voter perceptions of political accountability.
Which keywords best characterize the research?
The research is best characterized by terms such as Political Accountability, Voter Turnout, Voter Apathy, Nigerian Democracy, and Electoral Integrity.
How does the researcher define "Political Accountability"?
The author defines it as the answerability of political officeholders to the public, requiring active engagement on resource allocation, project execution, and transparency in governance.
What impact does political violence have on turnout according to the study?
The study finds that political violence, thuggery, and intimidation significantly decrease voter turnout, as these factors create a hostile environment that discourages citizens from participating in the electoral process.
What solutions are proposed to improve voter turnout?
The research recommends institutionalizing political accountability, adopting electronic voting systems, exploring compulsory voting, and ensuring that election results reflect the true wishes of the electorate.
- Quote paper
- Leo Ebenezer Ph.D (Author), 2018, Political Accountability and Voter Turnout in Nigeria, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/936764
