Voters apathy and democracy in Nigeria: perspectives on 2019 and 2023 presidential elections in Kaduna State

Abstract

Democracy is widely regarded today as one of the most universally accepted forms of government. It is often equated with, or seen as synonymous with, good governance that fosters socio-economic and political development. As a political system, it provides a framework through which public policies are formulated by a political class that remains open to both recruitment and exit, while maintaining the trust and confidence of the entire citizenry. On the other hand, voter apathy poses significant challenges to democracy, as it is perceived as a lack of affection and commitment toward the state. It reflects citizens' indifference towards political processes, including elections, public opinion, and civic duties. An apathetic citizen, therefore, shows little or no interest in the social and political affairs of the nation. This paper aims to explore the impact of voter apathy on democracy in Nigeria. The study relies predominantly on secondary data sources. It recommends that a dynamic civil service and strong state institutions are essential for the sustenance of democracy. Moreover, the success of democracy depends on the ability of both government and citizens to fulfill their mutual expectations. While citizens look to the government to provide basic social amenities, the government expects citizens to uphold their civic responsibilities. Failure of the government to meet these expectations often results in voter apathy.