THE IMPACT OF IDENTITY POLITICS ON VOTING BEHAVIOR IN THE 2023 GOVERNORSHIP ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

The phrase "identity politics" has been retrospectively used to describe many movements that existed before the word was coined Identity politics refers to political ideologies and actions that are centered around specific aspects of a person's identity, such as their ethnicity, race, nationality, religion, denomination, gender, sexual orientation, social background, caste, and social class (Bernard, 2017). According to Oluwole (2019), Identity politics refers to the process of organizing and advocating for political causes that are centered around certain traits such as race, ethnicity, gender, religion, and other social identities. The politics of identity has had a substantial impact on voting behavior in Nigeria, as seen.

Since its fight for independence, Nigeria has been grappling with the challenges of identity inside its political system. After more than 60 years of achieving independence, there is little indication that the situation will alter in the near future (Tare, 2023). Since the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1999, Nigeria has experienced smooth transitions between democratically elected governments. However, the form of democracy practiced in Nigeria has not demonstrated the characteristics of what Prof. Richard L. Sklar defines as 'developmental democracy' (Sklar, 2017: Chike et al 2017: Oluwole, 2019).  The pervasive influence of identity politics on the development of democracy in Nigeria is deeply concerning, as it exhibits characteristics of a ticking time bomb that threatens to undermine the country's democratic achievements and progress. The role of crucial players is contradicting the notion that democracy is synonymous with progress (Abayomi & Christian, 2023). 

Voting behavior in Nigeria has been historically impacted by identity politics. Politicians and political parties frequently use ethnic, religious, and regional affiliations in order to gain support. This phenomenon can result in the politicization of identity, when voters' decisions are significantly swayed by their associations rather than policy stances or achievements (Bonte, 2019). The 2023 gubernatorial election in  at state level provides a crucial opportunity to analyze the influence of identity politics on voting patterns. The presence of numerous candidates representing various ethnic and religious groups will likely result in the election dynamics being influenced by the intricate interaction between identity-based connections and political strategies. 

The 2019 general election witnessed the substantial influence of ethnicity, religion, and regionalism on voters' preferences and electoral outcomes (Adebayo, 2019). In the 2023 election, there was a significant use of appeals based on ethnicity, religion, and regional factors.  The 2023 election was mostly influenced by these key determinants of identity. In Nigeria, the practice of identity politics has been employed to rally supporters based on their ethnic, religious, and regional affiliations, frequently resulting in polarization and the marginalization of specific communities. This practice has been witnessed in previous elections, wherein politicians have used ethno-religious prejudices to gain votes from their particular constituencies. The impact of identity politics on the Nigerian election process is extensive. The prioritization of identity-based concerns can result in the neglect of crucial matters such as economic development and security. Furthermore, it has the potential to exacerbate inter-group tensions and incite violence, as evidenced in previous political cycles. Furthermore, the practice of identity politics has the potential to hinder the development of a unified national identity and undermine social cohesiveness (Basil, 2024).  

Taraba State, situated in the northeastern part of Nigeria, is a heterogeneous state characterized by a wide array of ethnic groups, dialects, and faiths (Bala, 2022). The state's population consists of diverse ethnic groups, such as the Jukun, Chamba, Kuteb, Mumuye, Tiv, and Fulani, among others. The presence of diverse ethnic and religious groups typically leads to political alignments and voting patterns that are influenced by these affiliations. This study aims to evaluate the influence of identity politics on voting patterns in the 2023 governorship election in Taraba state.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The political landscape of Nigeria, particularly in states like Taraba, is deeply intertwined with identity politics. Ethnic, religious, and regional identities often serve as pivotal factors influencing political affiliations and voter behavior. This phenomenon raises critical concerns regarding the impact of identity politics on the democratic process and electoral outcomes.

In Taraba State, the 2023 governorship election exemplifies this issue. The state is characterized by its ethnically and religiously diverse population, which includes groups such as the Jukun, Chamba, Kuteb, Mumuye, Tiv, and Fulani. Historically, these identity markers have played a significant role in shaping political alliances, voter preferences, and election results (Oni, 2023). Despite efforts to foster national unity and inclusive governance, identity politics continues to be a dominant force in Nigerian elections. Political candidates and parties frequently leverage ethnic and religious sentiments to mobilize support, often at the expense of broader, issue-based political discourse (Segun, 2024). This practice not only undermines the principles of democratic participation but also perpetuates divisions within the society (Chris, 2024).

Identity politics is a complex and multifaceted concept that has generated significant debate in academic and political circles. While proponents argue that it provides a necessary framework for understanding and addressing the experiences of historically marginalized groups, critics argue that it promotes a divisive form of tribalism that undermines the broader goals of liberal democracy. Adebanwi and Obadare (2023) highlights the impact of identity politics on Nigerian democracy. The study argues that ethnic and religious identities have been used to mobilize violence and undermine the democratic process in Nigeria. The study also notes that identity politics has led to the formation of patronage networks that perpetuate corruption and inequality. 

Ugochukwu and Chris (2023) in their study provides a useful framework for understanding the impact of identity politics on the Nigerian electoral process. Identity politics has played a significant role in shaping electoral outcomes, as candidates and parties have relied on ethnic and religious identities to mobilize voters. However, the impact of identity politics on the Nigerian electoral process is not always positive, as it can lead to intergroup conflict and undermine the democratic proces. It is important for political leaders and civil society organizations to work towards promoting inclusive politics and reducing the influence of identity politics on the electoral process. Hence the need for this study.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically assess the Impact of Identity Politics on Voting Behavior in the 2023 Governorship Election in Taraba State. Specific objectives of this study are to:

To analyze the role of ethnic identity in shaping voter behavior in Taraba State.

To evaluate the role of religious identity in shaping voter preference in Taraba State.

To examine how political parties and candidates utilize identity politics in their campaigns in 2023 Taraba state governorship election.

To assess the impacts of identity politics on the overall electoral outcome in Taraba State

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions which are in line with the objectives of this study will be answered in this study:

How did ethnic identity influence voter’s behaviour in Taraba state?

How did religious identity influence voter’s preference in Taraba state?

How did political parties and candidates utilize identity politics in their campaigns in 2023 Taraba state governorship election?

What are the impacts of identity politics on the overall electoral outcome in Taraba State?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

To determine the effectiveness of this study, the following research null hypotheses will be formulated to guide the study and it will be tested at 0.05% levels of significance.:

Ho: There are no significant impact of identity politics on the overall electoral outcome in Taraba State.

Ha: There are significant impact of identity politics on the overall electoral outcome in Taraba State.

1.6 Significance of the study

The importance of this study rests in its capacity to enhance comprehension of how identity politics impacts voting behavior in Taraba State, providing valuable insights that are applicable to both academic research and practical implementations in Nigerian politics and government.

Taraba State, similar to several areas in Nigeria, is distinguished by a multitude of ethnic and religious affiliations. An examination of how different identities impact voting behavior can yield useful insights into the unique electoral dynamics of this region. Having this comprehension is vital for political parties, candidates, and officials who want to plan and execute effective strategies in upcoming elections. The study also  aims to analyze voter preferences impacted by ethnic or religious affiliations in order to gain insights into how these factors can impact the priorities of elected officials and influence policies that try to address the different needs of communities.

Empirically, the study makes an academic contribution to the existing body of literature on political behavior, electoral studies, and identity politics in African contexts. It offers factual information and analysis that might guide future research efforts. Furthermore, policymakers can utilize your discoveries to develop more efficient election regulations and interventions that foster inclusivity and reduce the hazards linked to identity-based politics.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focus is to critically assess the Impact of Identity Politics on Voting Behavior in the 2023 Governorship Elections in Nigeria. Specifically, this study seeks to analyze the role of ethnic identity in shaping voter behavior in Nigeria and evaluate the role of religious identity in shaping voter preference in Nigeria. 

Further, this study will focus on examining how political parties and candidates utilize identity politics in their campaigns in Nigeria and it also seeks to assess the impacts of identity politics on the overall electoral outcome in Nigeria.

 The study is carried out in Jalingo, Taraba State. 

1.8 Limitations of the study

Like in any human attempt, the researchers encountered several small limits during the investigation. The primary constraint was the dearth of comprehensive literature on the topic, given the scarcity of data pertaining to the Impact of Identity Politics on Voting Behavior in the 2023 Governorship Election in Taraba State. Therefore, a substantial investment of time and effort was required to identify the suitable materials, books, or information and to collect data. 

Moreover, this study is limited by its diminutive sample size and restricted geographical range, concentrating just on Jalingo, Taraba state. Hence, the findings of this study cannot be extrapolated, thereby necessitating additional research. 

Furthermore, the researcher's restraints were predominantly attributable to financial limitations, as they are a student without a means of revenue to support themselves. The research location's high transportation costs, impacted by current inflation in Nigeria, made it difficult to afford transportation fees.

In addition, the researcher encountered a time limitation as a result of the necessity to do this research while simultaneously meeting the responsibilities of attending lectures and engaging in other educational pursuits.

1.9 Definition of terms

Politics: Politics is the way that people living in groups make planned decisions. Politics is about making agreements between people so that they can live together in groups such as tribes, cities, or countries. In large groups, such as countries, some people may spend a lot of their time making such agreements.

Identity politics: Identity politics is politics based on a particular identity, such as ethnicity, race, nationality, religion, denomination, gender, sexual orientation, social background, caste, and social class.

Voting behavior: Voting behavior refers to how people decide how to vote. This decision is shaped by a complex interplay between an individual voter's attitudes as well as social factors. Voter attitudes include characteristics such as ideological predisposition, party identity, degree of satisfaction with the existing government, public policy leanings, and feelings about a candidate's personality traits.