Benedict NnamdiNjoku, Ph.D1 and Otitochukwu Odoemenam Ph.D2
1&2 Department Of Political Science, Spiritan University, Nneochi, Abia State, Nigeria.
Corresponding Author’s email: otitochuks8@gmail.com
Abstract
In spite of the past experiences of both military and democratic administrations in the country, Nigerians, accepted the choice for the return of democracy in 1999, with little or no ideological, religious and ethnic differences. It was strongly believed that, this present democratic experiment will go a long way to remedy the defects of the previous administrations Nigerians have witnessed in the country. The present democratic experiment was indeed expected to restore the supreme powers of the citizens, not only to determine those who will represent them in political leadership through popular participation in political activities, but also to hold them accountable. It is however, regrettable that, such high hopes and expectations by Nigerians have remained a mirage till date, as general elections conducted since 1999 have been largely characterized by increasing level of voter apathy. This issue has affected the legitimacy of political leadership and the level of socio-economic development in the country. The specific objectives of the study are therefore, to determine whether voter apathy affects the legitimatization of political leadership in Nigeria and, to find out the extent to which voter apathy affects the socio-economic development of Nigeria. The Cross-pressure Theory was used to analyze the phenomenon under investigation. The study employed a qualitative methodology where data were collected from the secondary sources. The findings revealed amongst others that, due to the issue of increasing voter apathy among Nigerians, the problem of legitimacy crisis on political leadership in the country is deepened. It was therefore recommended amongst others that, efforts should be geared towards reviewing the Nigerian Electoral Act, as often as possible based on current realities of our national political life, with strict obedience by all stakeholders, regardless of personal, religious and party affiliations while at the same time, defaulters are punished accordingly.
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