ELECTORAL VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The nightmare usually associated with elections prompted this paper which examines the heterogeneous issues associated with electoral violence in Nigeria. The country with her multi–ethnic and cultural s is faced with myriads of problems when it comes to the issue of elections. The paper considered political violence a preliminary problem that often led to electoral violence. Similarly, different dimensions of electoral violence are highlighted with probable causes including poverty and unemployment, ineffective security, culture of impunity, weak penalties, small arms proliferation as well as weak and corrupt government. Patterns of electoral violence were discussed and the expected roles of the law enforcement agencies.