Party Politics and Electoral Violence in Nigerian 4th Republic: Implications for Democracy

Abstract

Electoral process in Nigerian fourth republic is gradually degenerating to a conflict situation and has become a recipe for electoral violence. Election periods in Nigeria witness high spate of assassination, maiming, thuggery, arson, unlawful arrest, abductions and intimidation of persons or group of persons. It creates an atmosphere of war which tends to create room for the survival of the fittest. This is because elections are seen not only as opportunity to control political power but an access to national resources. It is seen as an investment which no one will like to lose and so fair and foul means are exploited to get electoral votes. This ugly situation has negative implications on democracy. This study highlights the critical roles that political parties in Nigerian fourth republic play in the promotion of electoral violence. The research design for this study was historical-descriptive design. The data were obtained through secondary sources. Guided by the research methodology and structural functionalist theoretical framework, the study established a link between the character of party politics in Nigerian fourth republic and electoral violence. It found out that party politics was the major factor behind electoral violence in Nigeria which in turn hinders the democratic aspiration of the country. The study concluded that political parties in Nigeria have proved to be undemocratic and anti-democratic institutions. It recommended inter-alia, that political parties should be made to play critical roles in democratic consolidation and so, should change from mere institutions for acquiring political power to effective institutions that are capable of mediating and reconciling societal interests and conflicts. In addition, the rules and procedures that govern electoral behavior and conducts should be strictly applied and enforced to serve as deterrence