Background of the Study
Youth unemployment in Nigeria has been a persistent challenge, particularly in rural areas such as Gusau Local Government Area in Zamfara State. High levels of unemployment have been linked to a range of social and political issues, with one of the most concerning being the involvement of unemployed youth in political thuggery (Afolabi & Ojo, 2024). Political thuggery, which involves the use of violence and intimidation to influence political processes, often thrives in environments where young people lack economic opportunities. In Gusau, the lack of jobs and economic engagement has led many young individuals to become vulnerable to political manipulation, with politicians exploiting their need for income or social mobility by offering financial incentives to engage in violent acts (Bello & Adewale, 2023). The intersection of youth unemployment and political thuggery in Gusau remains under-researched, and this study seeks to explore the extent to which unemployment contributes to political violence, examining both the socio-economic conditions and the political dynamics that foster such behavior.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Youth unemployment has reached alarming rates in Gusau, and a significant number of unemployed youths are involved in political thuggery during election periods. This phenomenon not only undermines the integrity of the electoral process but also poses a serious threat to public safety and democratic stability. The problem is that while political thuggery is widely recognized as a problem, there is limited understanding of how unemployment drives young people toward such activities. This study will investigate how the lack of job opportunities exacerbates the engagement of youth in political thuggery and its implications for electoral outcomes in Gusau.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
To examine the relationship between youth unemployment and political thuggery in Gusau LGA.
To assess the role of political actors in influencing youth involvement in thuggery.
To recommend strategies for addressing youth unemployment and mitigating political thuggery in Gusau.
1.4 Research Questions
How does youth unemployment contribute to political thuggery in Gusau?
To what extent do political actors exploit unemployed youth for political violence?
What are the potential solutions to reducing political thuggery linked to youth unemployment in Gusau?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
Youth unemployment significantly increases the likelihood of political thuggery in Gusau.
Political actors actively recruit unemployed youth for violent political purposes in Gusau.
Reducing youth unemployment will reduce the incidence of political thuggery in Gusau.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study is significant because it highlights the interplay between youth unemployment and political thuggery in a key Nigerian locality. By understanding this relationship, policymakers, civil society organizations, and political stakeholders can develop targeted interventions to address both unemployment and political violence. Furthermore, the findings could guide electoral reforms aimed at reducing electoral violence and promoting peaceful political participation.
1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on the impact of youth unemployment on political thuggery in Gusau LGA, Zamfara State, specifically during the 2023 general elections. It will not examine other LGAs in Zamfara State or broader national trends. A limitation of this study is the reliance on self-reported data from youth participants, which may be subject to bias.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
Youth Unemployment: The proportion of young people who are actively seeking employment but are unable to find work.
Political Thuggery: The use of violence, intimidation, or coercion by political groups or individuals to influence electoral outcomes.
Political Actors: Individuals or groups, including political parties, candidates, and their supporters, involved in the political process.
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