Political Parties, Electoral Violence, and Possible Consequences on Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria, 1999-2022

Abstract

This study seeks to investigate the subject matter of political parties, electoral violence, and possible consequences on democratic governance in Nigeria's Fourth Republic. In the context of electoral democracy, political parties and periodic elections are the two most essential components upon which democracy is nurtured, deepened, and sustained. Democracy gives the citizens the opportunity to actively take part in the governance of their country. In some developed democracies, there are minimal occurrences of violence during and after elections, unlike Nigeria where electoral violence holds sway in all elections. This chapter examines the causes of the continuous occurrences of electoral violence in all the elections conducted in Nigeria since the rebirth of democracy in 1999. The research relies on the secondary sources of data collection sources. The chapter concludes and recommends tangible strategies and ways for reducing the trend of electoral violence in order to ensure that future elections are free and seen to be free, fair, and credible.