Godfatherism and Electoral Violence in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, 2019-2023

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between godfatherism and electoral violence in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, Nigeria from 2019 to 2023. Utilizing the survey design, 100 questionnaires were administered to assess perceptions on the linkage between godfatherism and electoral violence in the study area. The study adopted elite theory as the theoretical framework. Findings revealed that godfatherism is highly prevalent in Bakori LGA. The majority of respondents agreed that godfathers significantly influence political decisions, control candidate selection and fund electoral campaigns. Regarding electoral violence, respondents agreed that godfathers contribute to violence, deploy youths as thugs and escalate rivalry among various political parties during elections. The study concludes that godfatherism and political violence are deeply interconnected, constituting major obstacles to democratic consolidation, peaceful elections, and sustainable grassroots development in the state. The study recommended that include strengthening internal party democracy, ensuring INEC and security agency independence, implementing youth empowerment programmes, intensifying civic education, and involving traditional and religious leaders can reduce election related violence in the state