Ethnic attachment and Political Participation in Nigeria: The 2023 General Election in Perspective

ABSTRACT

The study on ‘Ethnic Attachment and Political Participation in Nigeria: The 2023 General Election in Perspective’ sought to explore the intricate relationship between ethnic attachment and political engagement within the context of the 2023 General Elections in Nigeria. This research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to provide a comprehensive understanding of these dynamics. In the quantitative segment, data was collected from 150 samples of voters in Benin City, focusing on demographic characteristics, ethnic identity, political affiliation, and factors influencing political participation. The analysis revealed a weak positive correlation between ethnic attachment and voting behaviour; however this relationship was not statistically significant as education level emerged as a stronger predictor of political engagement. The qualitative segment involved in-depth interviews with key respondents, including voters, community dwellers, and civil society representatives. Thematic and content analysis of these interviews uncovered the role of local community dynamics, economic conditions, and political candidates in shaping political participation. Ethnic attachment was found to be a less influential factor compared to these broader contextual factors.