The paper examines the connections and influence of ethnicity in the voting
pattern of the electorates in Cross River State specifically in the 1999
elections. A review of Nigeria’s electoral history indicates that the
phenomenon of ethnicity in the voting behavior of the electorates is a critical
factor as it determine election outcome in many cases. The Cross River State
situation has been so pronounced in the various elections especially as it
relates to 1999.In Cross River State, the credibility of candidates and party
manifestoes does not have much impact on the electorates as compares to the
ethnic affiliation of the candidate. This was demonstrated in the results
presented by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 1999.
The paper equally examines the influence of cultural organization as sources
of strength and support for candidates in the general elections. This was done
through party nomination, campaign and eventual voting. A combination of
primary and secondary sources of data collection was used to analyze the
contending issue. It is recommended that a well articulated electoral and
voter’s education will be a panacea for credible elections which will reduce
ethnic influence during elections.