Liberalization and Democratization in Nigeria

Abstract

Maintenance of democratic governance in Nigeria has proven to be particularly problematic since independence was gained in October 1960. Nigeria has been under military rule for 26 of 37 years of independent statehood, and attempts at transition to democratic rule have failed a number of times, most recently in 1993. This article examines the roots of military rule in Nigeria, and the apparent reasons for its continuation, and it proffers that under contemporary global conditions, concerted international efforts as well as domestic pressures for change are essential for successful transition to democratic governance. Because of the nature of many postcolonial African states, the character of the global political economy, and the formidable tools developed by the Nigerian military for sustaining itself in power, the need for such concerted international efforts to facilitate transition to just, democratic governance calls into question conventional conceptions of national sovereignty and international responsibility.