Politics by Elimination: Implications of Political Violence on Nigeria Democratic Governance

Abstract

This work focus on eliminationist politics in Nigeria. We traced the development of elimination politics in Nigeria right from independence in 1960 to the present day, which is a reminiscence of Hitler’s period in Germany and Rwanda genocide. The paper interrogates the escalating political violence in different parts of the country, with increasing loss of lives. We also examine the cause of riot, arson, murder and looting which have became widespread in many states particularly in the northern part of the country which is a clearer image of the danger that comes with intolerance and political violence. We found out that the major cause of the violence is economy, because of the nature of African society that is poverty stricken. The paper then conclude that; Nigeria cannot be run by eliminating those whose political affiliation and values vary from our own; political violence is an ill wind of social phenomenon, which blows no one any good. Dialogue should be allowed to prevail over the language of violence. Key words: Eliminationist, Independence, Germany, Leaders, Political violence, Rwanda,