Participation and Perceptions of Citizens about Thuggery and Electoral Violence Management during 2023 General Elections in Lagos State

Sociopolitical conflict, thuggery and electoral violence are prevalent challenges in many 
developing countries, in Nigeria particularly. These are often attributed to sociopolitical factors 
such as marginalization, poverty, and other excruciating human conditions. This paper 
examines gender participation, citizen involvement, and perceptions regarding the eradication 
of electoral violence and thuggery, with a specific focus on Lagos State. The research adopts 
World Systems Theory and Social Conflict Theory particularly to elucidate the discourse. For 
the purpose of this study a minimum percentage of 0.0035 of the total registered voters in Lagos 
state (7,060,195) were sampled randomly by means of online form, amounting to 
approximately two hundred and forty-eight (248) completed questionnaire. Findings show that 
at least two in every three respondents of legal voting age in Lagos State have firsthand 
experience of electoral violence and thuggery. This supports assertions that violence 
surrounding elections is a norm in the polity, though more prevalent in the pre-election period, 
with 73.30% affirming, compared to a meagre 5.80% post-election. 
Further, results indicate a whopping 96% agree that the male gender participates more in 
electoral violence and thuggery, and so equally more likely perpetrator of violence. Majority 
(77.40%) agree that electoral violence and thuggery can be totally eradicated in the country, 
while only 22.60% of respondents agree otherwise to total eradication of violence and 
thuggery. The study recommends electoral schooling for male citizens, improved security to 
curb victimization, embarking on implementation of poverty reduction policies, and promote 
political inclusion first to mitigate, and possibly eradicate the socio-political vices.