INFLUENCE OF THUGGERY ON THE ELECTORAL OUTCOME OF A CANDIDATE IN THE JUST CONCLUDED GENERAL ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA.

CHAPTER ONE:

INTRODUCTION

1. Background of the Study

In Nigerian politics, thuggery is a pervasive and destructive phenomena. It has resulted in the loss of life as well as valuable assets, which has had repercussions on both the sociopolitical and economic fronts. This phenomena is marked by crisis, conflict, disagreement, revolt, violence, and even war, all of which impact political growth, particularly the durability of democratic systems. It is now clear that the phenomena is harmful to the continued existence of democracy in Nigeria (Hamber, 2022). The thugs operate almost exclusively in well-coordinated gangs, victimizing, frightening, intimidating, and harming innocent persons in addition to politicians. The danger is to blame for the poor political culture in the country because it causes death or poses threats of death to individuals, which discourages them from actively participating in political processes and in the day-to-day socioeconomic activities that take place in their homes, shops, and on the streets of the nation. As a consequence of this, elites and politicians recruit jobless youngsters into thuggery for the purpose of self-aggrandizement during political processes such as campaigns and elections. These unemployed youths are then used to act as thugs and steal ballot papers and vote boxes (Hassan, 2019). The elite, most notably the political class who hold political power, have used a variety of means in order to remain in power without taking into consideration the state of socio-political harmony in their respective societies or the viability of democracy. This has occurred despite the fact that elites hold political power. This group of persons is responsible for the recruitment and sponsorship of certain young people who pledge loyalty to them; as a result, this group of people is able to profit from the services provided to them by the thugs. According to Osaghae(2023), political violence might potentially take place at several points of the electoral process, including before, during, or after the election. It is a method of using force to disrupt political meetings or voting at polling stations, as well as the use of dangerous weapons to intimidate voters and other electoral processes, or to cause bodily harm or injury to any person connected with electoral processes. It is also a means of using dangerous weapons to disrupt political meetings or voting at polling stations. The stealing of ballot boxes, the stuffing of ballot boxes, the elimination of political opponents, riots and thuggery, the forcible declaration of fake results even in places where no election was held, the refusal to swear in the winner of an election or the refusal to vacate office after losing an election are all examples of the types of political violence that typically occur. It is against this background that this study attempts examining the influence of thuggery on the electoral outcome of a candidate in the just concluded general elections in Nigeria.

1. 1. Statement of the Problem

In recent years, thuggery has evolved into a national security issue that undermines the viability of democracy, particularly in the run-up to and during elections. Hence, security is an essential component of good governance since it ensures the protection of individuals' lives, rights, dignity, and property, as well as the resources, territory, and sovereignty of the nation, as well as its legal institutions. When these institutions use the resources of the nation to provide safe, just, and fair living circumstances for the people of the country, then and only then do they have the right to claim legitimacy (Usman, 2022). In spite of this, the rulers of the governments, empires, and politics in the majority of African countries, including Nigeria, pose the greatest risk to the safety of the lives and property of their own population. In the meantime, the security agencies that exist to checkmate the excesses of such leaders become the propagators of disunity because of their political ambitions, and this can lead to either a favorable or not so favorable electoral outcome for a candidate in the just concluded general elections in Nigeria. In addition, the security agencies that exist to checkmate the excesses of such leaders become the propagators of disunity because of their political ambitions (Steenis, 2019). Therefore this study will examine the influence of thuggery on the electoral outcome of a candidate in the just concluded general elections in Nigeria.

1. 1. Objective of the Study

The broad objective of the study is to examine the Influence of thuggery on the electoral outcome of a candidate in the just concluded general elections in Nigeria. The specific objectives is as follows:

1. To find out the causes of thuggery during the 2023 general elections in Nigeria.

2. To investigate the patterns of thuggery during the 2023 general elections in Nigeria.

3. To find out the influence of thuggery on electoral outcome during the 2023 general elections in Nigeria.

1. 1. Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

1. What are the causes of thuggery during the 2023 general elections in Nigeria?

2. What are the patterns of thuggery during the 2023 general elections in Nigeria?

3. What is the influence of thuggery on electoral outcome during the 2023 general elections in Nigeria?

1. 1. Significance of the Study

The study will be significant to the security agents as they will be exposed to the challenges voters face during and after an election. The findings of the study will also expose security agents on how to go about their duty and how to ensure that the lives and property of electorate are secured.

The study will be of benefit to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature.

1. 1. Scope of the Study

The scope of this study borders on the influence of thuggery on the electoral outcome of a candidate in the just concluded general elections in Nigeria. The study will further find out the causes of thuggery during the 2023 general elections in Nigeria. The study will also examine the influence of thuggery on electoral outcome during the 2023 general elections in Nigeria, Lastly, the study will investigate the patterns of thuggery during the 2023 general elections in Nigeria. Hence, the study will be delimited to Lagos State.

1. 1. Limitation of the Study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1. 1. Definition of Terms

Thuggery: violent behaviour, especially of a criminal nature.

Electoral outcome: The outcome of an activity, process, or situation is the situation that exists at the end.