Voting Behaviour and Pattern of Voting in 2021 Gubernatorial Election in Anambra State, Nigeria
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The study examined the factors that influenced voting behaviour and voting pattern in 2021 gubernatorial election in Anambra State, Nigeria. Ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study and secondary data from the official election results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), reports of Civil Society Organisations and Election Observer Missions, reports on Newspapers, journal articles and books were used for the study. The data were analysed using the analytical inductive technique. It revealed that voting pattern in 2021 gubernatorial election in Anambra State was largely determined by psychological factors such as party affiliation, religion consideration, credibility and personal qualities of candidate, the influence of the incumbent governor of the state and the party in government. The study also revealed that there have been decline in voters turn in governorship elections in Anambra state but the 2021 governorship election witnessed the lowest voters’ turnout in comparison to the previous governorship elections in the state due to high level of insecurity and IPOB sit-at-home order. Based on the findings, the study recommends that IPOB should stop threatening voters to boycott election prior to elections especially in Anambra state, and to address the insecurity challenges, online and internet voting should be included in the electoral act to enable voters cast their votes in the comfort of their homes from any part of the state and there should be regular town hall meetings both at the rural and urban areas so as to address the persistent voter’s apathy in Anambra State.
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