ETHNICITY AND ELECTIONS IN KOGI STATE: AN EXAMINATION OF 2008 AND 2011 GUBERNATORIAL ELECTIONS

ETHNICITY AND ELECTIONS IN KOGI STATE: AN EXAMINATION OF 2008 AND 2011 GUBERNATORIAL ELECTIONS

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study is to determine the relationship between ethnicity and voting behavior and the extent to which the former influence the latter among Kogi state electorate. The survey research was used in the work alongside the use of questionnaire in establishing the relationship. In addition,the state‟s 2008 and 2011 gubernatorial election results were analysed using tables and charts. The study administered 156copies of questionnaire in three randomly selected Local Governments in the state.In conducting this study, an appropriate sample size was arrived at using the Yamane‟s formula considering a 92% confidence level of precision thereby giving room for a ±8 or 8% error level. However, respondents‟ data was analyzed using tables, charts and the percentage presentation of respondents view.The essence of this was to enhance understanding of data presented. This work adopts the pluralist theory in understanding the concept of ethnicity and how it influences the voting behavior of Kogi state electorate. Members of different ethnic groups in the state have to some extent their ethnic sentiment which plays a role in determining their choice in any elections. This study is of great benefit to knowledge seekers, researchers and politicians because contrary to wide spread speculations that ethnicity is the major sentiment which influence the voting behavior of most electorate in most multi ethnic states, this study has shown that in this modern era of human existence, there exist some reasonable rationality which decides the electorates‟ choice of candidates in election, mostly this rationality is tied to their interest of what they stand to gain if a candidate win as against just voting based on ethnic sentiment. Electorate as humans by their nature are complex and dynamic beings. This is so because they act in consonance to their interest. This implies that their rationality is limited to their interest. However, their interest is not static as they are bound to vote on the grounds of their sentiments. It is on this note that most politicians and political actors in Nigeria resort to the use of primordial sentiment especially ethnicity in canvassing for political support during electioneering campaign. This use of ethnic sentiment to influence the electorate choice at the polls is most prevalent in developing democracies like that of Nigeria. In addition, data gathered from the fieldbuttress ethnic sentiment as a determinant of voting behaviour among electorate in Kogi State. However, this is not limited to their demonstration or passion for their ethnic groups but, their quest for development, better life and justice.This further explains that raw ethnic sentiment can be said to exist minimally in the state, however the nature of ethnic sentiment is that guided by interest. It is on this note that this work recommends the various roles the government, electorate and political parties are supposed to play to de-emphasize the role of ethnicity in the voting behavior of Kogi state electorate, these recommendations range from; making of laws to ensure distribution of state resources and rotation of power amongst all ethnic groups in the state, advise to electorate to vote only credible candidates, and political parties should properly screen their candidates and only present credible candidates for elections.

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