Role of Godfathrerism on Electoral Violence

This study examines the role of godfathrerism on electoral violence in Benue State, Nigeria from the period of 2015-2023. To achieve this; survey method was adopted using questionnaire as instrument to elicit responses from the respondents. A sample size of 400 was drawn from the population using Taro Yanmane's scientific formula for sample size determination. The study was anchored on Elite Theory. The study found among other things that, the roles of godfatherism on electoral violence in Benue State include: coercion and intimidation, patronage and clientelism, undermining democratic institutions, manipulation and exploitations. The work made some recommendations that, the government should, implement measures tackle poverty, inequality, and unemployment to reduce the appeal of godfatherism, foster free and independent press to expose godfatherism and electoral violence, encourage voter education, civic engagement, and participation in political process.