ARTICLES
DOI DOI: 10.38140/ijspsy.v5i3.1837

Multidimensional predictors of voting behaviours among youths of voting age in southwestern Nigeria

Timilehin Olayinka Omoniyi

Abstract

Despite the critical role of youths in shaping democratic processes in Nigeria, their voting behaviours continue to be influenced by disengagement, inducements, misinformation, and weak civic orientations, undermining electoral integrity and sustainable democratic consolidation. This study investigated how preference for democracy, perception of candidates, media reporting, and party identification influence voting behaviours among Nigerian youth aged 18–35 in the context of a transitional democracy. The study employed a descriptive survey design of a correlational type. A validated structured questionnaire comprising six sections (reliability range r = 0.83–0.91) was administered to a sample of 2,005 registered youth voters selected through multi-stage stratified and systematic random sampling across three Southwestern states. Data collection spanned four weeks through both online and face-to-face administration. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26, employing descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression analysis at the 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed significant positive relationships between youth voting behaviours and both preference for democracy (r = .214, p < .05) and perception of candidates (r = .267, p < .05). Media reporting (r = .038, p > .05) and party identification (r = .049, p > .05) showed no significant relationships. The composite regression model was significant, explaining 12.4% of the variance in youth voting behaviours (Adj. R² = .122; F (4, 2000) = 68.847, p < .05). Among the predictors, perception of candidates (β = .263) and preference for democracy (β = .192) were significant, while media reporting and party identification made non-significant contributions. The study contributes to political science, youth studies, and electoral education by underscoring the salience of democratic values and candidate perception in shaping youth political participation, with implications for electoral policy, democratic consolidation, and governance in transitional democracies.

How to Cite

Omoniyi, T. O. . (2025). Multidimensional predictors of voting behaviours among youths of voting age in southwestern Nigeria. International Journal of Studies in Psychology, 5(3), 19–24. https://doi.org/10.38140/ijspsy.v5i3.1837
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