MITIGATING POLITICAL THUGGERY AND VIOLENCE IN ADAMAWA STATE THROUGH EFFECTIVE POLITICAL EDUCATION

This paper examines political thuggery and violence as significant challenges to political development in Adamawa State. Elections in the state are often marred by violence due to the activities of political thugs, frequently recruited by politicians. Unemployed youths, driven by economic hardship and lack of opportunities, are particularly vulnerable to political manipulation. This study employs a survey research design, data was collected from 400 respondents across the three senatorial districts through stratified random sampling. Primary data was gathered via questionnaires on Kobo Collect, interviews, and group discussions with elites, while secondary data was analyzed from relevant literature. Elite Theory, drawing from Mosca, Pareto, and Michels, guided the analysis. Findings reveal that political thuggery is fueled by poor governance, poverty, unemployment, and inadequate political education, with ethnic and religious sentiments sometimes exploited to justify violence. Beyond loss of lives and property, political thuggery contributes to increased crime and reduced youth engagement in productive activities, perpetuating a cycle of violence and economic stagnation. To address these issues, the study recommends structured political education at the grassroots level, employment initiatives for vulnerable youth, and stricter enforcement of laws against political violence. These interventions can help mitigate political thuggery and foster a more stable political environment in Adamawa State. Keywords: Political thuggery, violence, youths, political education, governance, Adamawa State.