POLITICAL VIOLENCE AND THUGGERY IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION IN OGBOMOSHO SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT OYO STATE

This research investigates the phenomenon of political violence and thuggery and their effects on local government elections in Ogbomosho South Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. The study explores the underlying causes, patterns, and consequences of political violence, particularly how it undermines the credibility of elections, disenfranchises voters, and threatens democratic development at the grassroots level. The research adopts a mixed-method approach, combining both primary data gathered through structured questionnaires and secondary data from scholarly works, government reports, and media sources. Findings reveal that political violence and thuggery in Ogbomosho South are largely instigated by desperate political actors, fueled by widespread youth unemployment, poverty, lack of political education, and weak enforcement of electoral laws. The consequences are both immediate and long-term, including voter apathy, loss of lives and property, electoral fraud, and loss of public confidence in the democratic process. The study further finds that political thuggery is systemic and often supported by political elites who exploit socio-economic vulnerabilities to achieve electoral success. The research concludes that unless effective measures are implemented such as stronger electoral laws, youth empowerment, civic education, and unbiased law enforcement political violence will continue to undermine local democracy. The study recommends collaborative efforts by the government, civil society, electoral bodies, and the general public to promote peaceful, free, and fair local government elections.