ELECTORAL VIOLENCE AND THE 2015 GENERAL ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA: THE IMPLICATION PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Following the outbursts of violence in previous elections in Nigeria, fears have been expressed that the 2015 general elections would be marred by a more electoral violence that may even announce the obituary of the Nigerian state. The situation is not helped by the spate of violence that has already rocked the nation at the current stage of electioneering where all forms of violent expressions have been recorded. The argument is that if the campaigns stage could be as violent as it is that there is much likelihood of more deadly mayhem at the elections proper. This paper therefore, explores the implication of electoral violence for the 2015 elections; arguing that violent-prone elections could be a dangerous platform for the disintegration of the country, especially now that insurgence is taking an excruciating toll in the country. It concludes that Nigeria would be doing itself enough good by doing all it could to avoid violence at the polls because the current capacity of the country cannot carry a fullfledged war. It also proffers solution.