ARMS IN NIGERIA'S ELECTORAL PATHWAY: PITFALL TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE FOURTH REPUBLIC

Abstract

Political violence has become a constant feature since Nigeria returned to democratic governance in May 1999. This violent development has been fueled by proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW). This study explored the nexus of arms, politics and electoral violence as it impedes on good governance in Nigeria. The study was a survey, relying on secondary data as sources of
information. Vold's (1979) Group Conflict and Sutherland's (1939) Differential Association theories were used as theoretical justification for the study. Violent clashes during electioneering campaigns and elections have attended Nigeria's democratic experiments since independence. The consequences include floured elections, wanton destruction of lives and property, displacements of communities
and serious threat to neighbourhood security. The multiplier effect of these have been observed in bad governance, communal arms struggles, youth vices and population displacement. It has also taken a toll on public infrastructure. Result of the study showed that the use of arms for electoral intimidation, vote manipulation or political violence erodes public trust in the electoral system and can lead to contested or illegitimate election outcomes. That is why Nigeria has had a disturbing share of challenged election outcomes in the past, especially since the birth of the Fourth republic. The study concluded that armed interference in elections threatens democratic governance. Successive governments have failed to address the issues of unauthorized arms in our elections, hence the many political violent clashes often recorded across the country. It is thus recommended that strengthening of the security architecture, implementation of stricter border controls to prevent illegal arms influx, political dialogue and civic education among other recommendations will help change the tide for the better.
 Floured elections, Good governance, Political violence