POVERTY AS A TOOL OF ELECTION MANEUVERING (A CASE STUDY OF 2024 ONDO STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION)

ABSTRACT This study investigates the role of poverty as a strategic tool for electoral manipulation, with a focus on the 2024 Ondo State Governorship Election in Nigeria. Despite democratic advancements, Nigerian elections remain vulnerable to malpractices, particularly vote-buying and economic inducement, which disproportionately affect impoverished electorates. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys of 200 respondents with qualitative interviews and observations, to assess how socioeconomic factors such as income level, educational attainment, and employment status influence electoral behavior. Statistical analysis including chi-square tests, ANOVA, and -tests eveal a significant correlation between poverty and voter susceptibility to electoral inducement. Findings show that lower-income individuals are more likely to accept material incentives in exchange for votes, while higher education levels correspond with greater electoral awareness and resistance to manipulation. The study also highlights systemic issues such as institutional weaknesses, political clientelism, and voter apathy. It concludes that poverty not only compromises electoral integrity but also perpetuates poor governance and democratic disillusionment. The research recommends multifaceted interventions including poverty alleviation programs, civic education, institutional reforms, and stricter enforcement of electoral laws to strengthen democratic processes in Nigeria.