INTRODUCTION

1.1            BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Political socialization refers to the process of induction into a political system and remains the engine room of political development and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria when people of all ages are put through the process of teaching and learning about all aspects of the political system. With a thorough understanding of the political system and possession of relevant political knowledge and attitude the various factors that hinder appropriate practice of democracy and development of enlightened citizenship are gradually nipped in the bud (Hooghe, 2004).

Political socialization is the process by which political culture is transmitted in a given society. It occurs at both the individual and community level, and it extends beyond the acquisition of political culture to encompass the learning of more sophisticated political ideas and orientations. Political socialization is a lifelong process and a variety of individuals and institutions contribute to its shaping effect. For example, individuals are politically socialized by such groups as their family, peers, and social class (Marshall, 1998). Furthermore, they are socialized by existing laws, media, religion, education, their own gender, and more. Basically, the process is never ending and the factors which shape it are all encompassing. Those groups and institutions which contribute to the process of political socialization are known as the agents of socialization. These sources affect the development of political values and attitudes differently, but they all contribute to the individual’s understanding of and orientations toward politics. The primary agents of socialization are those that directly develop specific political orientations such as the family. Whereas, the secondary agents of socialization tend to be less personal and involved in the process of socialization in a more indirect manner such as the media.

The most common and important socializing events for many people as they approach or enter adulthood are elections—the time when politics is most salient in national life and during which people forms political identities and establish patterns of behavior that often persist over the life cycle (Ofoeze, 2001; Omotola, 2010). Many political observers have traditionally concentrated on the family as the major socializing agent, finding that political discussion within the home, parental voter turnout, and political resources significantly impact political participation in young adulthood. During adolescence citizens learn about their democratic responsibilities and also acquire political attitudes that translate into adult political behavior and opinions (Mutiullah, 2015).

The most common and important socializing events for many people as they approach or enter adulthood are elections—the time when politics is most salient in national life and during which people forms political identities and establish patterns of behavior that often persist over the life cycle (Ofoeze, 2001; Omotola, 2010). Many political observers have traditionally concentrated on the family as the major socializing agent, finding that political discussion within the home, parental voter turnout, and political resources significantly impact political participation in young adulthood. During adolescence citizens learn about their democratic responsibilities and also acquire political attitudes that translate into adult political behavior and opinions. Empirical researches have shown that 2015 general elections demonstrate the true enthronement of democratic governance in Nigeria in which the ruling party was defeated by the opposition in a keenly competitive election (Chuks, 2015). Indeed, the election was characterized by profound excitement after a series of convoluted transition programs since 1999. The level of political socialization and attachment that citizens have towards their countries is a function of ability and/or readiness of the country to justify the essence of its existence and fundamentally embark on proactive citizenship education (Ntalaja, 2004). Thus, the fundamental objective of this paper is to examine the impact of political socialization on the just concluded 2015 elections in Nigeria and proffer feasible solution to the federal government on how to implement people-oriented programs for sustainable development.

1.2            STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Political socialization is a lifelong process and a variety of individuals and institutions contribute to its shaping effect. For example, individuals are politically socialized by such groups as their family, peers, and social class (Marshall, 1998). Furthermore, they are socialized by existing laws, media, religion, education, their own gender, and more. Basically, the process is never ending and the factors which shape it are all encompassing. Democracy is regarded as the best form of government because its ideology promotes peoples will. The people have political right to decide who should govern them in a free and fair conduct called election. Therefore, elections constitute an essential principle in liberal democracy. Election in a democracy is very important because it is through which that the expression of the people are shown via legitimacy and leadership succession.

1.3     RESEARCH QUESTION        

1.     What is the impact of political socialization on democratic process in Nigeria?

2.     What are the challenges facing political socialization as a precept of a democratic process in Nigeria?

3.     How can the process of political socialization be improved in Nigeria?

1.4       AIMS AND OBJECTIVE OF STUDY

The aim of this studies is to critically study the impact of political socialization as a precept for democratic process in Nigeria. The objectives are:

1.     To find out the impact of political socialization on democratic process in Nigeria?

2.     To investigate the challenges facing political socialization as a precept of a democratic process in Nigeria

3.     To find out how the process of political socialization can be improved in Nigeria.

1.5   SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The idea of the research work is to examine about political socialization as a precept of a democratic process in Nigeria.

This project covers a range of subject peculiar to political socialization in Nigeria. It covers the historical evolution of political socialization as a precept of a democratic process in Nigeria. It also covers the procedural problems in the administration of socialization in politics with respondents from individuals and political personnel as well. These are the aspects to be covered in this project.

1.6     SIGNIFICANCE   OF   THE   STUDY

This work shall be of great benefit to the citizens and the nation as well. It shall as well enlighten politicians and political parties so as to be able to plan towards an effective administrative through political socialization. The shifting perspective on youth engagement serves to illustrate how the limitations of political socialization inquiries may have led to overly-simplistic interpretations of complex trends. The evidence seems to suggest that we may be witnessing the advent of an era of increased engagement by young people, as well as citizens more generally, in civil and political society. Other researchers will find the work useful as it is a base for future research work