POVERTY AND VOTING BEHAVIOUR IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF ILORIN-WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KWARA STATE

Abstract

This research used a quantitative methodology to investigate the impact of poverty on voting patterns in Nigeria, focusing specifically on the Ilorin-West Local Government Area of Kwara state as a representative case study. The study employs the Investment theory of politics as its theoretical framework, which was created by Ferguson Thomas in 1995. The theoretical framework centres on the predominant role of business elites, rather than voters, inside political regimes. Taking into consideration this theoretical framework, the researchers developed and disseminated questionnaires to individuals residing in the specific geographical area selected for the purpose of this study. The questionnaires were sent to a sample size of 48 individuals, and their replies were afterwards evaluated using frequency analysis. The research findings indicate that a significant proportion of the participants hold the belief that poverty not only influences the voting patterns of the general public, but also leads to a sense of disenfranchisement and political indifference.