Effects of Voter Intimidation on Political Participation and Criminality in Politics

A Study of Nigeria’s Cross River South Senatorial District

Abstract

This research was an examination of the effect of voter intimidation and criminality in politics: a study of Nigeria’s Cross River South Senatorial District. Precisely, this study examined the extent at which intimidation of voters relates with criminalization of politics. To lead the research, one research hypothesis and question was raised. Cross-sectional survey study design, requiring the use of qualitative and quantitative methods was adopted. Through the use unstructured interview and questionnaire, a sample of four hundred 400 respondents was selected from the study area using a multi-staged sampling technique. A simple percentage method of data analysis was engaged for the analysis of the research question while Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient Analysis tool was utilized to test the research hypothesis. The study concludes that intimidation of voters directly relate with criminalization of politics in Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State particular as well as Nigeria in the general. The research discovered that there is a significant relationship between intimidation of voters and criminalization of politics in the study area. Following the research findings, the subsequent policy recommendations were made among which include: Criminalization of politics in Nigeria needs to be adequately addressed through ensuring that perpetrators of voter’s intimidation are adequately prosecuted as prescribed by the Constitution, the Electoral Acts or the Voters Right Act to serve as a deterrence to would be voter’s intimidators. The Federal and State Ministries of Education in Nigeria should urgently review their tertiary and secondary school curricula to include voters’ education studies as an academic subject. This will assist students at these levels to acquire basic knowledge about election improprieties vis – a -vis intimidation of voters and their implications on the political and economic development of Nigeria as well as the impact on national security.