VOTING PATTERN AND THE CHALLENGE OF DEMOCRATIC CONSOLIDATION: A STUDY OF THE 2019 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

Abstract

This study adopts qualitative method of data analysis and elite theory to examine the voting pattern in the just concluded 2019 presidential elections and to link it to Nigeria's democratic consolidation as a pathway to growth and development. The 2019 presidential elections was globally acknowledged as free and fair, yet, it came with a lot of challenges, not quite different from the type witnessed in previous elections. The 2019 presidential elections remind political observers about the deep rooted divide and polarization found within the Nigerian body polity. Consequently, this paper argues that, religion, ethnicity and money played a very important role in determining the pattern to which voters tilted their votes. Finally, the study recommends among other things that Politician should avoid using religion and ethnicity and money to play on the sentiments of the electorates; rather, they should focus on issue-based campaigns when they go to canvass for votes and Our election commission must improve its capacity to deliver credible elections and our political parties must play according to the rules.