The dynamics and challenges of elections and democratic consolidation in Nigeria: A study of the 2019 and 2023 gubernatorial elections in Kano State
The dynamics and challenges of elections and democratic consolidation in Nigeria: A study of the 2019 and 2023 gubernatorial elections in Kano State

Summary/Abstract: This study examines the elections and democratic consolidation in Nigeria: A study of the 2019 and 2023 gubernatorial elections in Kano State. An multi-stage cluster sampling procedure was used in sampling the population for this study. First, clusters of local governments in each of the selected states were randomly selected. Secondly, clusters of political wards in each of the selected Local Government Areas were randomly selected. A total of four hundred questionnaires were distributed across all the selected areas to elicit information on the subject matter but three hundred and eighty four were retrieved. The findings revealed that most voters were induced with money by politicians, both those in power and those seeking to be in power, to influence voters’ choice of candidate or political party in order to retain or capture political power during elections, particularly during the 2019 and 2023 general elections. The findings also revealed that voter turnout during presidential and national assembly elections was higher than during gubernatorial and state assembly elections, posing a challenge to grassroots democracy. Additionally, the degree of rigging, malpractices, and irregularities was found to be higher in presidential and national assembly elections compared to gubernatorial and state assembly elections. To address this, for Nigeria to maintain international legitimacy, the value orientation of politicians must change. Elections should no longer be viewed as the ultimate goal.

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