POLITICAL INCLUSION IN THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS AMONG INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPs) IN ABUJA: AN INSIGHT FROM THE 2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS

Abstract

Democracy relies on the active participation and representation of all individuals within 
the democratic system. Fundamental to this is the notion of political inclusion. Therefore, 
the principle that every individual, irrespective of social class, age, gender, cultural 
background, or ethnic and religious affiliations, should possess equal rights and 
opportunities to participate and contribute to the operation of these systems and 
procedures. Considering this, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who are compelled to 
leave their habitual residences have a legitimate entitlement to influence decisions 
impacting their lives through engagement in electoral processes. This universality is not 
consistently observed on a global scale, including Nigeria. IDPs encounter various 
challenges hindering their exercise of the right to political engagement. However, the 
aspect of political participation for IDPs remains unexplored subsequent to the 2023 
General elections in Abuja, Nigeria. The disenfranchisement of IDPs not only violates their 
rights but may also worsen the social, political, and economic marginalization they endure. 
Consequently, this study investigates the political inclusion in the democratic process 
concerning IDPs in Abuja during the 2023 General elections. The study utilized primary 
and secondary data sources and simple descriptive statistics was used in analyzing the 
data. The paper found out that majority of the IDPs were able to complete the registration 
process and change their polling locations. Using the democratic theory that views universal 
suffrage and representative electoral mechanisms as essential components of any 
contemporary democratic model, the study recommends for the implementation of 
strategies that motivate IDPs to enroll, participate in voting, and aspire for political 
positions in their existing residential constituencies. This will promote participation, 
integration, and ultimately enhance the democratic quality.