Abstract
This paper explores the impacts of political elitism in Nigeria. This is informed by our past experiences and present realities of Nigerian political elites that play exclusionary politics which this paper interrogates. It argues the thesis that there is need for inclusive governance and political participation in order not to turn Nigeria into a fragile state. The purpose of this is to ensure that good governance is achieved and sustained. This is based on the reason that political relationships between elites and citizens dictate development outcomes. Delivering development involves working with the political dynamics that has citizens’ welfare as its focus. It does this by addressing social justice and extremes of inequality as “bottom-up” as well as “top-down” political, social and economic processes that sustain effective states, efficient markets and vibrant societies. Governance describes the way states and societies manage their affairs politically and the way power and authority are exercised. Entrusting governance to a few people that constitutes the political class endangers development, political participation and settlements. It also increases cycles of poverty among citizens that do not belong to the elite class. This reinforces the argument of the thesis that political elitism creates poor relations and hinders economic development and sustains fragile citizenship. Hence, this paper adopts critical phenomenology as its methodology to redefine political participation with inclusiveness while dismantling the tempting tendencies of political elitism and corruptive practices that stagnate governance and development. This paper submits that inclusive political participation will ensure that governance is centralized and built on finest philosophical ideals for overall nation building for the benefit of Nigerian citizens. By this, Nigeria will not be left in the hands of few less sensitive political elites.
Highlights
The issue being interrogated in this study is political elitism which underscores politics of exclusiveness
This paper explores the impacts of political elitism in Nigeria
The political activities and determinism placed on the nation-state by the political elite is what we refer in this paper as “political elitism.”
Summary
The issue being interrogated in this study is political elitism which underscores politics of exclusiveness. Understanding the centrality of politics in building effective states and shaping developmental outcomes is crucial It shows that “politics” is not an abstract concept, but an essential determinant of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) that is, better educated, healthier, more prosperous people These goals provide evidence of politics as the “driver of change” and as the ultimate cause of people’s prosperity, security and access to justice It shows how local political economy influences national status in global politics, state fragility and the ability of citizens to participate in their own development. Policy-makers and researchers share an interest in understanding how the balance of power between elites and social groups affects the ability of modern states to end conflict and build durable nation-states.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
