An Evaluation of the Political Participation and Representation of Artisans in the Governance of Ondo State, Nigeria Between 2018 and 2023

Abstract

The research aimed to assess the level of involvement and representation of artisans in the governance of Ondo State from 2018 to 2023. Previous studies have shown that artisans make up a substantial portion of Nigeria’s population, a trend that is also evident in Ondo State, which was the focus of the work. The study, therefore, examined whether there is a link—or a gap—between the large population of artisans and their presence in both elective and appointive political positions when compared with other groups in the society. The research adopted a combination of primary and secondary data collection methods. Primary data was sourced through interviews, survey techniques, and the administration of a structured questionnaire, alongside Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Secondary data was drawn from relevant documents and literature. In addition, the study made use of secondary information gathered from textbooks, academic journals, online publications, and relevant government documents. The data obtained was analyzed using statistical tools such as percentage distribution, frequency tables, and visual presentations. The research further assessed how factors such as profession, level of education, age, exposure, and other related variables influence political participation and representation in Ondo State between 2018 and 2023, as well as in Nigeria more broadly. The findings of the study are expected to be valuable to scholars, policymakers, and electoral institutions, as they contributed to a deeper understanding of the subject and support further academic inquiry. The study was guided by the theory of participatory democracy, which served as the foundational framework for its analysis.