THE ROLE OF TRADITIONAL RULERS IN CURBING ELECTORAL VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The Nigerian state since independence has been bedeviled by electoral violence. The use of security forces and advocacy in the media by government and its agencies, and other measures have so far failed in stemming electoral violence in the country. This study therefore attempts to situate the role of traditional rulers in curbing electoral violence in the country. Using the structural functionalism theoretical framework and relying on personal observation as a primary source of data as well as secondary sources of data, the study found out that the major causes of electoral violence in the country are a consequence of the failure of contemporary security measures, media advocacy and also lack of mentoring of its citizens by relevant institutions and government's present methods. The study recommends that giving traditional rulers and their institutions this role of mentoring their subjects on the dangers of electoral violence, and also establishing an 'indirect homeland security system' will assist in curbing electoral violence in the counhy. It also recommends that traditional rulers should withdraw and refuse honours to people who indulge in electoral violence as well as call to order perpetrators and sponsors of electoral violence.