AN EXAMINATION OF THE NEXUS BETWEEN POLITICAL IDEOLOGY AND VOTING BEHAVIOUR IN NIGERIA: FOCUS ON THE 2023 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

ABSTRACT This study examine the nexus between the voting behaviour in Nigeria. It focus on examining this variables [i.e political ideology as independent variable and voting behaviour as dependent variable]. It under study the 2023 presidential election as his case study. The issues of the political ideology as entertain scholarly attention in the last decade in Nigeria against the backdrop that this issue is under-examined in Nigeria is what instigated the study to be undertaken. The study formulated and analysis three objectives and research question respectively. One of the objective is: To analysis the relationship between political ideology and voting behaviour during Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election. One of the research question: What policy reform measures areto enhance the influence of political ideology on voting behaviour in future presidential elections in Nigeria? The study is significant for various reason including that it contribute to the literature on Nigeria voting behaviour and role of political ideology as it influent voting patterns in the country. The scope of the study is limited to Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election. The study utilizes the political culture theory and the theorical frame work one of analysis. This implies that the work is electrical theorical framework. The study is based on quantative theorical methodology. It utilizes the questionnaire approach to collect it data. The unit of analysis on eventual respondent were sample from oyo state, specifical from Oluyole local government. The responses of 100 respondent were used in the data analysis. Descriptive and infulencial statistic where utilize to analysis the data. The study found that ideological stand of voters on economic issues affected voter turn out among low-income voters. The study also found that most political parties in Nigeria lack clear ideological manifesto. The study also found out that Nigeria political party did not have ideology committee members. It recommended the need to promote ideologically based political party to exist. The study also recommended the strengthen of voter education and voters’ mobilization on electoral matter based on party ideology.