Exploring Non-formal Political Education Programme for Addressing Political Apathy and Irrational Voting Behaviour in Nigeria’s 4th Republic.

Abstract

Democracy is under serious threats in a political system with significant level of political apathy and irrational voting behaviour. The formal political education focused curriculum in the school system is addressing this challenge. However, the illiterate population outside the school system constitutes the greater majority among Nigerian voters. This paper explores and proposes non-formal political education agencies and platforms as well as contents for addressing rising trend of political apathy and irrational voting behaviour among Nigerian voters. Five major interrelated themes are proposed for packaging political education messages in domesticated formats using the non-formal political education platforms revolving around the kingship of voters and subservience of elected politicians as well as appointees to the expressed wishes of voters in their political manifestoes.