CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Political participation is central to the functioning of any democratic system. It refers to the

various ways through which citizens engage with political processes, including voting, joining

political parties, participating in campaigns, and contesting for public office. Youth, defined by

Nigeria’s National Youth Policy as persons between the ages of 18 and 35, constitute a

significant portion of the Nigerian population, accounting for over 60% of the estimated 200

million citizens (National Population Commission, 2022). Given their numerical strength and

potential for innovation and activism, youth are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the

political future of the country.

Despite their demographic advantage, youth in Nigeria have historically been marginalized in

mainstream politics. They are often seen participating only at the periphery as voters or political

tools rather than as central actors or decision-makers. This marginalization has led to political

apathy among many young Nigerians, fueled by disillusionment with governance, electoral

violence, and the monetization of politics. In response to this exclusion, the “Not Too Young to

Run” Act was passed in 2018, lowering the constitutional age for running for political office.

This legislation aimed to increase youth representation and participation in the democratic

process.

The 2023 general elections marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey. It

was the first major election after the #EndSARS movement of 2020 a youth-led protest against

police brutality, which also demanded better governance. As such, expectations were high

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regarding increased youth involvement in the electoral process. In Nasarawa West Senatorial

District which comprises Karu, Keffi, Kokona, Nasarawa, and Toto Local Government Areas the

youth population was expected to play a transformative role in shaping the outcome of the

elections.

This study investigates the extent, nature, and effectiveness of youth political participation in the

2023 general elections in Nasarawa West Senatorial District. It seeks to understand whether the

legislative and social reforms preceding the elections translated into meaningful youth

engagement and what barriers continue to limit their political inclusion.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Although Nigerian youths make up the majority of the population and the registered voting base,

their actual involvement in the political process remains minimal and often symbolic. Many

factors have contributed to this paradox, including structural barriers, limited access to political

platforms, lack of financial resources, and political violence. Even with the introduction of legal

frameworks such as the Not Too Young to Run Act, youth still face challenges in contesting

elections, influencing political party decisions, or holding leadership positions.

In Nasarawa West Senatorial District, anecdotal evidence suggests that many young people

registered to vote in the 2023 elections, yet the level of actual turnout and engagement in

political decision-making remains unclear. There is also a gap in academic literature assessing

the effectiveness of youth participation in the district during the 2023 elections. This study,

therefore, seeks to explore whether young people were genuinely included in the democratic

process, the roles they played, the challenges they faced, and how their participation (or lack

thereof) impacted the election outcomes.

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1.3 Research Questions

1. What was the extent of youth participation in the 2023 general elections in Nasarawa

West Senatorial District?

2. What factors influenced youth political participation in the district?

3. What challenges did youths face in their participation during the elections?

1.4 Objectives of the Study

1. To assess the level of youth involvement in voting, campaigning, and contesting for

office.

2. To identify the political, economic, and social factors influencing youth political

participation.

3. To examine the obstacles limiting effective youth engagement in the electoral process.

1.5 Research Hypotheses

1. H₀: Youth participation in the 2023 general election in Nasarawa West Senatorial District

had no significant impact on the electoral outcomes.

H₁: Youth participation in the 2023 general election in Nasarawa West Senatorial District

had a significant impact on the electoral outcomes.

2. H₀: Socioeconomic and political factors did not significantly influence youth political

participation.

H₁: Socioeconomic and political factors significantly influenced youth political

participation.

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1.6 Significance of the Study

Focusing on Nasarawa state, this research can provide nuanced insights into the regional

peculiarities of youth participation, creating a framework for promoting inclusive politics in

Nigeria

Youth make up a significant portion of Nigeria’s population, yet their active involvement in

political processes remains limited. This study can shed light on the barriers to youth

participation, including socio-economic, cultural, or systemic factors. By identifying the

challenges and opportunities for youth in Nasarawa state, the study can propose strategies to

empower young people, fostering their involvement in decision-making and governance. This is

critical for ensuring that youth interests are adequately represented.

Active youth participation is vital for a thriving democracy. Their engagement brings fresh

perspectives, energy, and innovation to the political arena. This study can reveal how youth

involvement in Nasarawa state contributes to or enhances democratic practices.

A significant challenge in Nigeria is political apathy among the youth. This research can explore

the reasons behind this apathy in Nasarawa state, whether it’s due to distrust in political

institutions, lack of awareness, or inadequate opportunities for engagement.

Youth participation ensures greater accountability and transparency in governance. As active

participants, young people can challenge corrupt practices and demand better policies and

leadership. The findings can provide policymakers with insights to design programs and

initiatives that encourage youth participation, not only in Nasarawa state but across Nigeria.

When young people are excluded from politics, it can lead to frustration, which sometimes

manifests in social unrest. This study can highlight how inclusion reduces tensions and promotes

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stability in Nasarawa state. A focus on Nasarawa state allows for a localized understanding of the

dynamics of youth participation, which can serve as a case study for broader applications across

other states in Nigeria.

1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study

The study focuses on Nasarawa West Senatorial District and is limited to youth between the ages

of 18 and 35 who participated or were eligible to participate in the 2023 general elections. It

examines their role as voters, candidates, campaigners, and political observers. Limitations

include potential difficulty in accessing accurate election data, time constraints, and limited

funding for broader fieldwork.

1.8 Definition of Key Terms

Youth: Generally refers to individuals in the transitional stage between childhood and adulthood,

often defined as those aged 18-35 years, depending on cultural and institutional contexts.

Participation: The act of taking part or being actively involved in an activity, event, process,

often in the context of decision making, governance or community engagement.

Politics: The activities, processes, and institutions involved in making decisions that apply to

members of a society, including the governance of a country, state or organization.

General Election: A general election refers to the election held to choose the national and state-

level representatives in government. In Nigeria, this includes elections for the presidency,

governors, members of the National Assembly, and State Houses of Assembly. The 2023 General

Election refers to the elections held in February and March 2023, in which Nigerians voted to

elect their leaders at the federal and state levels.

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1.9 Research Methodology

1.9.1 Research Design

A research design also called a research strategy is a plan to answer a set of questions

(Bouchrika, 2022). It is a framework that includes the methods and procedures to collect,

analyze, and interpret data. Hence, for the purpose of this study, a quantitative research design

will be adopted. Bhandari (2020) write that quantitative research is the process of collecting and

analyzing numerical data.

1.9.2 Research Method

For the purpose of this study, a cross-sectional survey research method adopts to enable researcher

draw inference on variables under study. Lauren (2022) writes that a cross-sectional study is a type

of research method in which the researcher collects data from respondents at a single point in time.

Researchers who are interested in the current prevalence of a phenomenon in a certain subset of the

population might use a cross-sectional design to gather and analyze the relevant data (Lauren, 2022).

In the view of Setia (2018), a cross-sectional study, the investigator measures the outcome and the

exposure in the study participants at a single point in time.

1.9.3 Population of the Study

Pritha (2021) explained that a population is the entire group that a researcher wants to draw

conclusions about. It refers to clearly defined elements, service, people, things or households

under investigation. Thus, the population for the study is registered voters in Nasarawa State

according to Arogbonlo (2023) is 2,886,000. Therefore, for the purpose of this study, 2,886,000

will be adopted as the registered voters.

1.9.4 Sample Size

experiment through appropriate sampling technique. By sample size, we understand a group of

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subjects that are selected from the general population and are considered a representative of the

real population for that specific study. Taro Yamane formula will be used to determine sample

size for this research as explain below.

n = N

1 + N (e)²

Where n = Sample size

N = Population of the study

e = Tolerable error (5%)

n = 2,886,000

1 + 2,886,000 (0.05)² i.e 0.05×0.05

n = 2,886,000

1 + 2,886,000 (0.0025) i.e 2,886,000× 0.0025

n = 2,886,000

1 +7215= 7216

n= 2,886,000

7216 i.e 2,886,000÷7216

n = 399.9 approximately 400

1.9.5 Sampling Technique

The process of selecting a smaller group of respondents to tell us essentially what a larger

population might tell us if the researcher asked every member of the larger population the same

questions (Adwok, 2015).

The sampling technique to be used in this study shall be quota sampling technique. Saunders,

Lewis & Thornhill (2012), quota sampling method/technique is a non-probability sampling and it

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is defined as a sampling method of gathering representative data from a group. Quota sampling

ensures that sample group represents certain characteristics of the population chosen by the

researcher (Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill, 2012).

The rationale for this technique is due to the fact that Nasarawa is a place with different people

with divergent ethnicity, religions and proximity to the researcher in order to exclusively

establish the core objective of this research. Thus, five (5) strategic locations in Nasarawa will be

selected such as Lafia, Akwanga, Keffi, Nasarawa and Toto.

1.9.6 Instrument of Data Analysis

Instrument for data collection in research are means through which the researcher gathers data,

including observation, checklist, interview guide, tests, interview schedules, questionnaire etc (Degu

and Yigzaw, 2006). For the purpose of this study a self-administered questionnaire will be used to

collect data from the sample size of this study.

Questionnaire will be structured and designed in a way that will afford the respondents to answer the

research questions appropriately. The questionnaire shall comprise two sections. Section A will be

embedded with respondents’ bio-data in order to elicit respondents’ demographic details while

Section B will be concerned with questions relating to the research questions.

1.9.7 Validity and Reliability of Research Instrument

The face validity of this instrument will be ensured by the supervisor, who will through the process

of vetting the ambiguity and structural make-up of the instrument, validate the use of the research

instrument.

The pilot study will also be conducted using some residents of Lafia who are also from voters in

Nasarawa State. The pilot study will take place from 25th to 30th of June 2025.

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The pilot study is meant to ascertain the clarity of the questions and detect problems in the

questionnaire instructions, as well as find out whether the respondents have any difficulty

understanding the questionnaire or whether there are any ambiguous questions. The exercise will

help the researcher to make necessary amendments and modifications in the questionnaire before

final distribution.

1.9.8 Method of Data Analysis

Data can be analyzed in both qualitative and quantitative methods. Therefore, this study will adopt

quantitative method in analyzing and presenting the data to be gathered. Therefore, to properly

explain and explore the variety of data to be collected, descriptive statistics (frequency and

percentage) will be used with the of aid of tables to present the data.

1.10 Chapterization

This research is divided into four chapters. Chapter One; introduces the topic, it also covers

Statement of the Problem, Research Questions, Objectives of the Study, hypothesis, Scope and

Limitations, Significance of the study, research methodology Definition of terms and

Chapterization. Chapter Two discusses the review of related literature and Theoretical

Framework. Chapter Four covers data presentation, data analysis, result and interpretation.

Chapter Five covers the Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation.