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.