Electoral Violence and Voter Turnout in Kano State: A Study of the 2023 General Elections

This study examines the relationship between electoral violence and voter turnout in Kano State during the 2023 general elections. Electoral violence has remained a persistent challenge in Nigeria's democratic process, discouraging citizen participation and undermining the legitimacy of electoral outcomes. Drawing on survey data collected from registered voters across three senatorial districts in Kano State, the study analyses how experiences of violence, intimidation, and threats before and during elections influence individual decisions to vote. A descriptive survey research design is adopted, with a structured questionnaire administered to 350 respondents selected through stratified random sampling. The theoretical framework draws on the rational choice theory, which posits that voters weigh the perceived costs and benefits of participation against available alternatives. Findings from the study indicate that direct exposure to electoral violence significantly reduces voter turnout, particularly among women and first-time voters. The study also reveals that inadequate security deployment by the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Nigeria Police Force contributed to the vulnerability of voters in high-risk areas. Recommendations include strengthening pre-election security assessments, establishing accessible violence-reporting mechanisms, and increasing civic education programmes that encourage participation despite security threats. The study contributes to the growing literature on electoral integrity in Nigeria's North West geopolitical zone and offers practical recommendations for electoral management bodies, civil society organisations, and policymakers seeking to consolidate democratic governance in the region. Keywords: electoral violence, voter turnout, Kano State, 2023 elections, democratic participation