CHAPTER ONE

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1   BACKGROUND OF STUDY

Voting’ is one of the most commonly used terms in contemporary age of democratic politics. The ever increasing popularity of democratic theory and practice has even made this term a household name. In democratic system, and their number is quite large and ever increasing, each adult citizen uses ‘voting’ as a means of expressing his approval or disapproval of government decisions, policies and programmes, the policies and programmes of various political parties and qualities of candidate who are engaged in struggle to get the status of being the representatives of people. In a limited way, voting refers to the function of electing representatives by casting votes in elections.

To make inferences and predictions about Behaviour concerning a voting decision, certain factors are said to influence voters Behaviour. Such as:- culture religion, public influences include:- the role of emotions, political socialization, tolerance of diversity of political views and media etc. the effect of these influences on voting Behaviour is best understood through theories on the formation of attitudes, beliefs, schema, knowledge structures and their practice of information processing. For example, research from different countries indicates that people are generally happier in individualistic cultures where they have right, such as right to vote. The degree to which voting decisions is affected by internal processing system of political information, and external influence alters the quality of making truly democratic decisions. A voting which is derived devoid of sentimental, be it primordial centrifugal or centripetal forces.

Ogundiya (2003). With the Nigeria, evidence abound in the literature that at least up to the decades of independence, voting Behaviour was not guided by ideology, party programmes or merit of those standing top be elected, but by political calculus of ethnic geo-politics, religious bigotry, out right bribery, power of incumbency, abuse of electoral process, corruption etc.

Ogundiya (2003). In Kaduna state, with the return to democratic rule in 1999, the Kaduna state independent electoral commission (KAD-SIECOM) was established in accordance with the provisions of section 197 (1) (b) of the 1999 constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria which is charged with the responsibility of organizing and conducting elections for local government council in the state. The commission receives support and cooperation from security agencies and civil society.

1.2   STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Voting Behaviour can be seen as an aspect of political Behaviour, that seek to determine the key variable that motivate voters to vote or not to vote, and for what reason. The attempt to find out factors influencing voting pattern or behaviour of an electoral. At times it is really challenging when the voters are not ready psychologically for the voting process, this could be as a result of materials for the orientation, it could also be as a result of lack of trained personnel to carry out the training and it could be that the potential voters are not even willing to come out for orientation or training. Finally, several research has been carried out on the factors that influences voters behaviour but not even a single research has been carried out on an examination of psychological orientation as a factor influencing voters behaviour in 2019 general election in Nigeria.

1.3   AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF STUDY

        The main aim of the study is to examine psychological factor influencing voters behaviour in 2019 general election in Nigeria. Other specific objectives of the study include;

1. to determine the effect of psychological orientation on voters behaviour in 2019 general election in Nigeria.
2. to determine the factors affecting psychological orientation and its effects on voters behaviour in 2019 general election in Nigeria.
3. to determine the extent to which psychological orientation affects voters behaviour in 2019 general election in Nigeria.
4. to proffer possible solutions to the problems.

1.4   RESEARCH QUESTIONS               

1. What is the effect of psychological orientation on voter’s behaviour in 2019 general election in Nigeria?
2. What are the factors affecting psychological orientation and its effects on voters behaviour in 2019 general election in Nigeria?
3. What is the extent to which psychological orientation affects voter’s behaviour in 2019 general election in Nigeria?
4. What are the possible solutions to the problems?

1.5   STATEMENT OF RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

H0:   Psychological orientation has no significant effect on voter’s behaviour in Nigeria.   

H1:      Psychological orientation has a significant effect on voter’s behaviour in Nigeria.

1.6   SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

        The study on an examination of psychological orientation as a factor influencing voters behaviour in 2019 general election will be of immense benefit to the entire Nigeria in the sense that it will enable them to make individuals choice of governors or major governmental policies; It permits individuals to participate in a reciprocal and continuing exchange of influence with the office-holders and candidates;. It contributes to the development or maintenance of an individual’s allegiance to the existing constitutional regime. It contributes to the development or maintenance of a voters disaffection from the existing constitutional regime;. It has emotional significance for the individuals; and for some individuals it may be functionless, i.e. devoid of any significant personal emotional or political consequences. Finally, the study will contribute to the body of existing literature and knowledge to this field of study and basis for further research.

1.7   SCOPE OF STUDY

        The study on an examination of psychological orientation as a factor influencing voter’s behaviour in 2019 general election is limited to Nigeria.

1.8   LIMITATION OF STUDY

Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

1.9   DEFINITION OF TERMS

Examination   A detailed inspection or study.

Psychological  Of, affecting, or arising in the mind; related to the mental and emotional state of a person.

Orientation     The action of orienting someone or something relative to the points of a compass or other specified positions.

Influencing     Have an influence on.

Voters     General Voter - Any Indian citizen residing within the country, who has attained the age of 18, can enroll himself/herself as General Voter

Behaviour       The way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially towards others.