Influence of grassroots political movement on electoral system in Nigeria: A comparative study of Kwankwasiyya and Obidient Movement in Kano State

Abstract

The emergence of grassroots political movements has increasingly transformed electoral politics in Nigeria by challenging the dominance of traditional political parties and reshaping patterns of political participation and voter behaviour. This study examines the influence of grassroots political movements on Nigeria’s electoral system through a comparative analysis of the
Kwankwasiyya and Obidient movements during the 2023 general elections, with particular focus on Kano State. Anchored on Resource Mobilization Theory, the study adopted a mixed-methods research design, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collected from 400 respondents selected through a multistage sampling technique across five Local Government Areas in Kano State using structured questionnaires administered physically and through Google Forms. Qualitative data were further generated through content analysis of social media activities associated with both movements. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. The findings reveal high levels of awareness of both movements, with the Obidient Movement recording broader national visibility due to its extensive use of digital platforms, while the Kwankwasiyya Movement demonstrated stronger grassroots structures and deeper political loyalty among supporters. The study further found that grassroots political movements significantly influenced political
awareness, voter mobilization, and electoral decision-making, with a majority of respondents indicating that movement affiliation affected their voting choices more than traditional party loyalty. Social media emerged as a critical instrument of political communication and mobilization, particularly among young voters. The study also established that a potential alliance between the two movements could substantially influence future electoral outcomes and challenge the dominance of established political parties, although ideological and structural differences may constrain such cooperation. The study concludes that grassroots political movements have become significant actors in Nigeria’s democratic process, contributing to the evolution of electoral
behaviour, political participation, and citizen engagement. It recommends greater integration of digital and community-based mobilization strategies to strengthen democratic participation and electoral accountability in Nigeria.