University of Nigeria Journal of Political Economy

Effects of Electoral Violence on Voters’ Participation in Nsukka Local Government, Enugu State, 2015 – 2023

Amara Peace Ruben, Ugo Charity Innocent-Ihekoromadu — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Electoral violence remains a significant challenge in Nigeria, affecting the democratic process and voters’ participation. For instance, during the 2015 elections in Nsukka LGA, widespread allegations of voters’ intimidation and ballot box snatching were reported, leading to the disenfranchisement of many voters. The 2019 elections also saw significant security breaches, with documented cases of clashes between political supporters at various polling units and the destruction of electoral materials. According to reports by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), these disruptions contributed to a sharp decline in voters’ turnout compared to previous elections. According to data from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), voters’ turnout in Enugu State saw a decline of nearly 15% compared to previous elections, largely attributed to security concerns and incidents of violence. These examples underscore the persistent and severe nature of electoral violence in the region, necessitating urgent reforms to safeguard democratic participation. This study investigates the impact of electoral violence on voter participation in Nsukka Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu State from 2015 to 2023. The paper explores the nature, causes, and consequences of electoral violence and evaluates its influence on voters’ turnout, political engagement, and the credibility of electoral processes in the region. Using a combination of primary and secondary sources, the research underscores the need for comprehensive reforms to enhance electoral security and foster citizen participation in democratic processes.

THE CRISIS IN EDUCATION AND THE DILEMMA OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS IN NIGERIA

Grace Barinaada Ibaba , Ibaba Samuel Ibaba — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This paper examines the nexus between the education crisis and the constraints it imposes on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria. The paper argues that, given the inaction in addressing the country's educational crisis and its negative long-term impact on national development goals, Nigeria may miss out on the SDGs. It points out that the Nigerian educational system falls short of all indicators measuring quality education and concludes that this poses a serious threat to achieving the SDGs, as various outcomes jeopardise each objective. To resolve the crisis in education and steer it towards promoting the SDGs, the paper recommends, among other actions, strengthening education policies, improving access and inclusivity, implementing curriculum reforms, enhancing security, and focusing on teacher recruitment, training, and motivation. Additionally, it emphasises the importance of technology and the establishment of partnerships, such as school-community relations, to improve infrastructure, training, policy reforms, and community-based collaboration for supervision, especially since formal structures have become ineffective. Furthermore, adequate funding needs to be prioritised to meet UNESCO's recommendations of allocating 4-6 per cent of GDP or 15-20 per cent of public expenditure to education, as well as initiating and implementing consistent and realistic education policies.

Political Patronage and Policy Implementation in Nigerian Public Service

Peter Yohanna Mari, Apat Kiden Tanimu — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Political patronage plays a significant role in shaping policy implementation within the Nigerian public service. This phenomenon, where political loyalty and patron-client relationships often dictate appointments and resource allocation, has been a key feature of Nigeria’s political landscape. This paper explores the impact of political patronage on policy formulation and execution in Nigeria’s public service sector. It examines how political patronage influences the selection of public officials, the prioritization of government programs, and the execution of policies, often leading to inefficiency, corruption, and inequitable distribution of resources. Through qualitative analysis, including interviews with policymakers, public servants, and political analysts, the study highlights the challenges that arise from patronage-driven appointments and its effects on public service performance. The research finds that while patronage can secure political support for elected officials, it often undermines the professionalism and effectiveness of the public service, as appointees are selected based on political affiliation rather than expertise or merit. The paper also discusses potential reforms to curb the negative effects of political patronage, such as enhancing transparency in public service appointments, strengthening institutional frameworks, and fostering merit-based policies. It concludes that addressing political patronage is crucial to improving policy implementation and achieving sustainable development goals in Nigeria. Ultimately, the study calls for a balanced approach that ensures political loyalty while promoting efficiency and accountability in the Nigerian public service.

BETWEEN LIVELIHOOD AND LIABILITY

Christian Ukeame Abu — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined the relationship between the socioeconomic impact of artisanal refining and its implications for economic opportunities in Rivers state. Specifically, the study examined the effect of how the socioeconomic impact of artisanal oil refining implicate economic development in Rivers State. Thus, the central questions of this study is: How does socioeconomic impact of artisanal refining implicate economic opportunities in Rivers State? The theory of the Resource Curse was adopted as our framework of analysis and data was gathered through the documentary method of data collection and Key Informant Interview. Our data analysis was based on qualitative descriptive analysis and the time series research design was adopted. The study found that destruction of natural means of livelihood, problem of poverty alleviation and revenue loss, infrastructural deficit and the health impact of social dynamics resulted to loss of economic opportunities in Rivers state. The implication of our findings is that the activities of artisanal oil refiners result to grave socioeconomic impacts through revenue loss, infrastructural deficit and worsening health condition of the people in Rivers state.

Foreign Policy and Nation-building in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic

Fredrick O Onyia, Peter Labe Atime, Ezekiel Ogbuokiri Okoro — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Foreign policy and nation-building are two concepts with similarities, yet rarely discussed together. However, the three levels of foreign policy namely; primary, secondary and tertiary levels are linked to three attributes of nation-building. At the primary level, foreign policy centers on citizen’s welfare, while nation-building focuses on active citizenship. The secondary level deals with the use of political power to achieve state objectives; similarly nation-building involves inclusive political participation. Diplomacy and law is accorded priority at the tertiary level, while nation-building focuses on state/society relations. With this relationship, we showed how foreign policy can, and has been used to promote nation-building in Nigeria’s polity. Our central argument is that successive civilian administrations in Nigeria have vacillated in using foreign policy to advance nation-building, due to individual leader’s perception of his role. Role Theory was adopted as theoretical framework, while relying on secondary data. Study revealed lack of consistency by the federal government in using foreign policy to promote nation building. Prioritizing things that promote oneness and community spirit in Nigeria’s domestic policies will address this. Subsequently, this can be projected internationally through a synergy of nation building and foreign policy.

INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION AND THE CHALLENGES OF ELECTION ADMINISTRATION IN NIGERIA

Agboh Jeremiah Adie — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Election administration has traditionally been the responsibility of Nigeria’s election management body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). However, a critical question remains: Is INEC truly independent? Nigerians aspire to an electoral process that reflects the will of the people, one that is free, fair, transparent, and devoid of violence, maladministration, and controversy. Assessing the extent to which these aspirations are realised requires an examination of the challenges faced by INEC in administering elections. This paper explores the difficulties encountered by INEC in conducting elections in Nigeria. The study adopts the Marxist theory of the state as its analytical framework and employs both primary and secondary data sources, with qualitative analysis. The findings reveal that INEC’s administrative capacity significantly impacts election credibility. Although the commission is officially designated as independent, it lacks the operational autonomy necessary to ensure truly free, fair, and credible elections. The paper argues that structural and systemic constraints hinder INEC’s effectiveness. To address these challenges, it recommends genuine independence for the electoral body, including both financial and operational autonomy.

The Challenges of Women in Peace-building Initiatives in Enugu State, Nigeria

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The importance of Peace-building and its effective operation shows the need to involve women in peace practices as an agent of transformation. Women's involvement in peace continuum, conflict resolution and Peace-building initiatives have gained international recognition, their inclusion has been a global discourse due to the impact of violent conflict on women and their resilience in advocating for Peace-building efforts. Therefore, there is a need to tackle obstacles towards their active inclusion as fundamental in arresting and curbing a relapse into violent conflict and social disorder in society. This study examines the challenges confronting women in their inclusion moves. It employs desk review and Key Informant Interviews (KII) using a qualitative and quantitative approach and secondary sources. Content and descriptive analysis were used for data analysis and interpretation. The study adopts intersectionality theory as its theoretical framework establishing other factors exacerbating men’s dominance, inequality and underrepresentation typified by women’s low engagement in Peace-building initiatives. The study concludes that integrating gender-responsive policies targeting identified challenges can inform policy frameworks in curbing these challenges and foster inclusive processes, social and sustainable development, and Peace-building initiatives. Thus, it submits that women should be allowed to form part of governance and decision-making processes to inform inclusive policies to their advantage and enhance their active engagement in governance to impact Peace-building initiatives in the state. Women’s low involvement in Peace-building initiatives has adverse political, social and economic implications on social cohesion. The study recommends inclusive Peace-building initiatives of equitable women’s representation to address low women’s input in Peace-building.

An analysis of Nigeria’s petroleum subsidy removal as a neocolonial and dependency tool

Joachim Chukwuma Okafor , Abiodun Omotayo Oladejo — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Upon assuming office on May 29, 2023, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu declared that the petrol subsidy regime, which had been in place for over three decades, had come to an end. Immediately, petrol marketers adjusted the pump price to reflect the new reality, leading to high transportation costs and hyperinflation. Using a documentary approach and post-colonial state theory, we argue that the President's progressive ideal "allow the poor to breathe", which formed the core of his election campaign, has been diminished by removing the subsidy on the pump price of petrol. Although the removal of the subsidy has deepened poverty in Nigeria, international finance agencies such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) - which have recommended the policy switch, have praised it. The policy switch from the progressive ideal of allowing the poor (sic) to breathe to removing the fuel subsidy - without first increasing Nigeria's downstream sector's capacity - underlies a desire to kowtowing to the policy prescriptions of the World Bank and IMF rather than securing the living conditions of vulnerable Nigerians.