POVERTY AND VOTING PATTERN IN THE 2019 GENERAL ELECTIONS IN BENUE STATE.

The research examined poverty and voting pattern in the 2019 General elections in Benue State. Both Primary and secondary sources of data collection were used for the study. The main instrument of primary source was the questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using simple percentages. Rational Choice theory was used as a theoretical framework for the study. The findings of the study showed that, in Benue State, widespread poverty is a reality. It is a reality that depicts a lack of food, clothes, education and other amenities. The study further revealed that, poverty determined the people's level of political participation in the 2019 general elections in Benue State. Poverty resulted not only in low voters turnout during the elections but electoral violence in the state. Those who voted did so for their personal interest for survival which is for sustenance of their life not because of ideology and conscience that could lead to the development of the State. The study further revealed that, the effect of poverty on democratic consolidation can trigger corruption by politicians after they are voted into power. This is because they would want to get returns on money invested during election campaigns. This can lead to the abuse of state resources. The use of incentives to buy votes may have repercussions on Nigeria's elections. It can negatively impact the quality (freeness and fairness) of elections. In view of this findings, the study recommended that, poverty needs to be tackled seriously in the state and Nigeria as a whole. It is observed that poor people are candidates of votes selling. In a situation whereby the masses are better off in terms of standard of living. Also, a proper reorientation of all stakeholders in Nigerian politics for attitudinal change towards having positive perception to make democracy work by ensuring that elections are conducted according to the electoral law and good conscience is required.