ASSESSING MAJOR DETERMINANTS OF VOTING IN NGOMARI WARD, JERE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BORNO STATE: A CASE STUDY OF 2023 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

This study examines the Major Determinants of Voting Behavior in Ngomari ward, Jere Local Government Area, Borno State in the 2023 Presidential election in, Nigeria. Understanding the factor that influence voters' decisions is crucial for strengthening democratic processes and enhancing political participation. The study used Rational Choice Theory and Conflict Theory to provide explicit explanation on the topic under study. The research adopted a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews to gather data from a representative sample of voters in Ngomari ward, Key variables examined include ethnicity, religion, party affiliation, candidate personality, campaign strategies, socio-economic status, and security concerns especially given the region’s history of insurgency. Both primary and secondary sources of data have been to collect data. The findings reveal that while traditional factors such as ethnicity and religion remain influential, security concerns and candidates' perceived competence play a dominant role in shaping voting decisions. The study concludes that voter behavior in Ngomari ward, Jere Local Government Area of Borno State is dynamic and significantly affected by both local and national political contexts. Recommendations are made for policymakers, political parties, and civil society organizations to design more informed voter education programs and ensure inclusive, issue-based political engagement.