Political Elite Composition and Democracy in Nigeria1

Abstract

This article analyzes the post-independence background and composition of the Nigerian core political execu- tive elite. By analyzing changes in the national political elite, this article attempts to establish the extent to which compo- sition of the elite reflects the democratic governance aspects of openness and inclusiveness. Liberal pluralists believe that transformation in the elite power structure depends on periodic renewals, i.e. the entrance of new persons and ideas as re- gimes and resources change. In post-colonial Nigeria, there have been many structural changes, especially in the political regime and economic resources. The article argues that structural changes have not been very effective in transforming the outlook of the Nigerian elite. The lack of transformation in political elite demeanor at the national executive power struc- ture is based on the shared (common) background and preferences of members of the elite. This article applies critical elite theory to analyze the characteristics and continuity of the Nigerian political elite. The findings demonstrate how the nature of the political executive elite in Nigeria has contributed to the weakness of political institutions.