Partisan Mobilization and Electoral Violence in Kebbi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Studies on strategies of mobilization by political parties in democratic process are well documented in the literature. However, while partisan mobilization instigates violence, particularly during elections, little is known, empirically about the relationship between partisan mobilization and electoral violence in Nigeria. Therefore this paper analysed the role of partisan mobilization and electoral violence using a subnational enclave in Nigeria as a unit of analysis. Data were obtained through In-depth Interviews (IDIs) with some party members, citizens, Non-governmental organizations as well as officials of electoral institution and security agencies such as Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence, Nigerian Prisons etc. The findings suggest that political parties play a central role in the violent mobilization of people during elections. The paper offers some suggestions on the strategies for non-violent partisan mobilization for democratic stability.