THE IMPLICATIONS OF POLITICAL THUGGERY ON CREDIBILITY OF ELECTIONS IN GOMBE METROPOLIS, GOMBE STATE

Abstract

The conduct of credible elections has long been impeded by political thuggery,
perpetrated by thugs bearing different names. The objective of this article is to assess the
effect of Yan Kalare thugs on the conduct of elections in Gombe metropolis from 1999
to 2019. As argued in this study, political thuggery has continued to disrupt the conduct
of free, fair and credible elections in the study area and Nigeria at large. The study made
use of the Elite theory as it emphasizes how political leaders and other elites in the society
employ different means to acquire or maintain political power, such as the use of thugs
during electioneering periods. The study used questionnaires to source for data in the
study area. Qualitative data was also used from relevant books, journals, newspapers
and online materials. Contingency table (simple percentage and frequency) were used
for analyzing quantitative data, while qualitative data were analyzed in themes. The
findings of the study reveals that the political class have continuously employ the services
of the dreaded Yan Kalare thugs to perpetrate mayhem during elections and political
campaigns and this has negative effect on the conduct of credible elections. The study
therefore, recommends that unemployment should be seriously addressed both at the
local, state and national levels. Existing empowerment schemes should also be
strengthened in order to achieve the desired goals.