PARTY POLITICS, ELECTORAL VIOLENCE AND THE NIGERIAN YOUTH: A SURVEY OF THE 2011 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS IN EREDO LCDA (EPE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA) OF LAGOS STATE

Abstract

Political violence is becoming a global phenomenon which many nations find within their political systems. It refers to all crises in the society with particular occurrence during elections. Most politically related violence are always attributed to the teeming youth populace due to their idleness, lack of education, unemployment, poor orientation and greed of the political class. They are also characterized with vigour and psychological alertness which are the major tools needed for this act. In view of this, this paper examines the causes of political violence by the youths during elections with particular reference to the 2011 Local Government Elections in Eredo LCDA (Epe Local Government Area) of Lagos state. This study used the theory of violence formulated by Johan Galtung as its Theoretical Framework. Qualitative data analysis method with the use of simple random technique and administration of forty (40) structured questionnaire in all the five (5) wards of the LCDA was adopted by the study. The results of the findings showed that the major factors causing political violence perpetrated by the youths were not limited to; political rivalry, unemployment, greed, poor education, poor parenting and god-fatherism. In its recommendations, youth employment, increased political education by the government and public offices should be made less attractive by cutting the urge salaries of the political office holders among others were made.