This study examines youth
participation in the 2024 local government election in Tarauni Local Government
Area of Kano State, Nigeria. Although youths constitute the majority of
Nigeria’s population and represent over 60% of registered voters in Tarauni LGA,
their actual level of electoral participation remains significantly low.
Relying exclusively on secondary data from the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC), civil society organizations (Yiaga Africa, CDD, TMG),
academic literature, and credible media reports, the study adopts a descriptive
qualitative research design to analyze patterns of youth awareness, turnout,
and involvement in electoral processes.
Findings reveal that while political
awareness among youths is relatively high, actual voter turnout is undermined
by factors such as distrust in electoral institutions, pre-election violence,
logistical challenges, unemployment, and widespread political apathy. Civil
society organizations played a notable role in mobilizing young people through
voter education campaigns and digital engagement, yet structural constraints
limited their overall impact. The study also finds that technology and social
media have significantly influenced political mobilization, although they also
contributed to misinformation during the electoral period.
The research concludes that youth
disengagement is less a result of indifference and more a reflection of
systemic barriers and declining confidence in local governance. It argues that
meaningful youth participation requires improved electoral integrity, sustained
civic education, strengthened civil society engagement, economic empowerment,
and deliberate inclusion of youths in political leadership. The study
recommends long-term reforms focused on transparency, security, and grassroots
civic engagement to enhance youth participation in future elections.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
YOUTH AND
ELECTORAL PROCESS IN NIGERIA. i
DECLARATION.. ii
APPROVAL PAGE. iii
DEDICATION.. iv
ACKNOWLEGEMENT. v
ABSTRACT. vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS. vii
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION.. 1
1.1 Background to
the Study. 1
1.2 Statement of
the Problem.. 2
1.3 Objectives of
the Study. 3
1.4 Research
Questions. 3
1.5 Significance
of the Study. 4
1.6 Scope of the
study. 4
1.7 Limitations of
the study. 5
1.8 Definition of
Key Terms. 5
CHAPTER TWO.. 7
LITERATURE REVIEW... 7
2.1 Conceptual Issues. 7
2.2 Current Literature. 8
2.3 Empirical Framework. 9
2.4 Theoretical Framework. 10
Most Relevant Theory. 12
2.5 Conclusion. 13
CHAPTER THREE.. 15
RESEARCH
METHODOLOGY.. 15
3.1 Research Design. 15
3.2 Sources of Data. 16
3.3 Method of Data
Collection. 18
3.4 Method of Data
Analysis. 19
3.5 Scope of the Study. 21
3.6 Limitations of the
Study. 23
CHAPTER FOUR.. 25
DATA PRESENTATION
AND ANALYSIS. 25
4.1 Introduction. 25
4.2 Youth
Registration and Voter Turnout in Tarauni LGA.. 25
4.3 Political
Mobilization and the Role of Civil Society. 26
4.4 Barriers to
Youth Participation in the Electoral Process. 26
4.5 The Influence
of Technology and Media on Youth Participation. 27
4.6 Trends and
Implications of Youth Participation. 27
4.7 Summary of
Findings. 28
CHAPTER FIVE.. 29
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION
AND RECOMMENDATIONS. 29
5.1 Summary of
Findings. 29
5.2 Conclusion. 30
5.3
Recommendations. 30
5.4 Suggestions
for Further Studies. 32
APPENDICES. 33
Appendix I:
Research Objectives. 33
Appendix II:
Conceptual Framework Summary. 33
Appendix III:
Secondary Data Sources Consulted. 34
References. 35
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Background to the Study
The electoral process is a cornerstone of
democracy and plays a pivotal role in facilitating citizen participation in
governance. It allows people to choose leaders, influence public policy, and
hold government accountable. In Nigeria, the role of youth in this process is
crucial, as they constitute over 60% of the country's population (National
Population Commission [NPC], 2020). Despite their demographic advantage, youth
participation in electoral processes remains comparatively low, particularly at
the grassroots level (Ibeanu, 2021).
Local government elections serve as a
foundation for democracy and community development. However, these elections
are often undervalued compared to national contests, which results in
diminished voter interest, especially among the youth (Adeniran, 2020). The
2024 local government election in Tarauni Local Government Area (LGA) provides
a unique opportunity to assess youth engagement in a real-world setting.
Understanding the level of youth involvement in this election can help address
longstanding issues of political exclusion and democratic underdevelopment at
the local level. In recent years,
increasing access to technology and digital platforms has opened new avenues
for political mobilization among young Nigerians. Youth-led movements like the
#EndSARS protests have illustrated the political consciousness and
organizational power of young people (Olorunmola, 2022). However, translating
digital activism into actual participation in electoral processes remains a
challenge. Factors such as electoral violence, voter suppression, lack of trust
in the electoral system, and economic hardship continue to discourage many
young Nigerians from fully engaging with formal political institutions
(Adelekan, 2021).
Therefore, this study examines youth
participation in the 2024 Tarauni LGA election with the aim of understanding
their role, challenges, and potential contributions to democratic consolidation
in Nigeria.
1.2
Statement of the Problem
Despite being a majority in terms of
population, Nigerian youth have consistently been underrepresented in the
formal political arena. Several studies have shown that their participation is
often limited to peripheral roles such as political thuggery or online
activism, rather than genuine civic engagement (Ojo, 2019; Adelekan, 2021). The
2024 local government election in Tarauni LGA reveals similar trends: while youth
turnout at rallies and social media campaigns was notable, their involvement in
voting and contesting for positions was minimal.
The
key problems include poor political education, a lack of institutional support,
voter apathy, and mistrust in electoral bodies like the Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC). Additionally, many youth view local elections as
insignificant, leading to reduced enthusiasm and participation (Ibeanu, 2021).
This study aims to uncover these dynamics in detail and suggest ways forward
for more inclusive youth participation in local democratic processes.
1.3
Objectives of the Study
General
Objective:
To examine the role and impact of youth
participation in the electoral process during the 2024 local government
election in Tarauni Local Government Area, Nigeria.
Specific
Objectives:
- To assess the level of youth awareness and involvement
in the 2024 local government election in Tarauni LGA.
- To identify the factors that influenced youth
participation in the electoral process in Tarauni LGA.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of electoral institutions
and mechanisms in promoting youth engagement during the 2024 local
elections.
- To explore the challenges faced by youth in
participating in the electoral process at the local government level.
- To suggest strategies for enhancing youth participation
in future electoral processes in Nigeria.
1.4
Research Questions
- What was the level of youth awareness and involvement
in the 2024 local government election in Tarauni LGA?
- What factors influenced the participation or
non-participation of youth in the election?
- How effective were electoral institutions in
facilitating youth engagement?
- What challenges did youth face in the electoral
process?
- What strategies can be adopted to improve youth
participation in subsequent elections?
1.5
Significance of the Study
This study holds significant academic and
policy relevance.
Academic significance: it fills a gap in the
literature regarding grassroots political participation by Nigerian youth. Most
research has focused on general elections, leaving local elections
underexplored (Adeniran, 2020).
Policy significance: it provides
practical insights for electoral bodies, political parties, and civil society
organizations aiming to improve youth participation. The findings may also
guide civic education initiatives, advocacy efforts, and reforms that promote
more inclusive democratic engagement among Nigeria’s youth population.
1.6
Scope of the study
This study focuses exclusively on the 2024 local
government elections in tarauni local government area, kano state. It
specifically targets youth between the age of 18 and 35, in the line with the
Nigerian national youth policy (federal ministry of youth and sports
development, 2019). The research aim to examine the role, involvement, and
perceptions of youth regarding to the electoral process within this local
government area.
1.7
Limitations of the study
The study is geographically limited to tarauni LGA
and does not include other local government areas or state and national level
elections. As a result, the findings may not be universally generalizable to
all youth populations in Nigeria. Additionally, time constraints, access to
data, and limited resources may have influenced the depth of the investigation.
Despite these limitations, the study offers useful insights that may apply to
similar socio-political setting.
1.8 Definition of Key Terms
- Youth: Persons aged between 18 and 35 years, as defined by
Nigeria's National Youth Policy (2019).
- Electoral Process: The entire range of activities associated with the
conduct of elections, including voter registration, campaigns, voting, and
results collation.
- Participation: The involvement of citizens in political activities
such as voting, running for office, and civic advocacy.
- Local Government Election: An electoral process aimed at
selecting political representatives at the local government level,
including chairmen and councillors.
1.9
Organization of the study
This study is divided into five chapters.
·
Chapter one introduces the
study by presenting the background of the study, statement of the problem,
objectives of the study, research question, and significance of the study,
scope and limitation of the study, definition of key terms.
·
Chapter Two reviews
relevant literature on youth and electoral process in Nigeria both
theoretically and empirically.
·
Chapter Three outlines the
methodology, including research design, population of the study, sampling
technique, sample size, source of data, research instruments, method of data
collection, method of data analysis, ethical consideration.
·
Chapter Four presents and
discuss data presentation, analysis and interpretation.
·
Chapter Five concludes the
study with a summary, policy recommendations and suggestions for future
research
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