Democracy In Nigeria Research Articles

THE ROLE OF ELECTORAL PROPHECY, COURT JUDGEMENTS AND NATIONAL SECURITY IN NIGERIA: THE IMO STATE EXPERIENCE

Predictions of who wins an election have become a recurring phenomenon in Nigeria since this present democratic era. The 2019 elections in Nigeria saw prominent religious leaders or spiritualists reel out prophecies of eventual winners or losers in a practice that is fast becoming entrenched. Using the case of Imo State, this paper argues that electoral related prophecies pose a security threat, which if not dealt with may ignite crisis and endanger the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria. Methodologically, the documentary method is used to source for data and desk review serves as the tool of analysis. Also, the paper is situated within the theoretical framework of spiritual dimension of human and national security, which takes into cognizance the peculiarity of Nigeria’s security threats rooted in spiritual related utterances among others. Hence, the paper recommends that religious leaders should apply caution so as to determine the kind of prophecy to make public in order to avoid precipitating crisis.

Federalism and the Challenges of Democratization in Nigeria: Lessons from the Swiss Model

Switzerland, a country composed of four major language groups, is comprised of 26 cantons and many municipalities, with each canton being linguistically homogenous, has always been a model of a federal state that is practising an inclusive democracy. The Nigerian federation, on the other hand, has evolved from a colonial federal legacy that was based on three unwieldy component regions into a union of 36 states and 774 constitutionally entrenched localities. Pressures for fundamental federal reforms have remained a persistent, intense and divisive feature of contemporary Nigerian politics, characterised by ethnic, religious and regional contestations that frequently produce episodes of violence. The paper examines the impact of federalism and Democratization process in Nigeria with particular focus on governance, political representation and participation using the Swiss federalism as a model in a comparative perspective. Both primary and secondary sources of data are applied with the theory of Separation of Powers guiding the discourse in the paper. The findings suggest that the Swiss federation has been built into a state where governance is institutionalised, while diversity is seen as strength with the people and the cantons well represented through participation in decision making, whereas in Nigeria, the practice of federalism has thrown up many challenges of governance. The paper recommends that Nigeria should borrow a leaf from the Swiss model of federalism through the devolution of power and decentralisation of functions from the federal government to the states and local governments. Also, Nigeria could adopt the Swiss model of direct democracy, which would allow for more citizens' participation in decision making and governance.

Grappling with Corruption in Democratic Nigeria

Nigeria, especially since its return to democratic governance in 1999, has been inherently laden and plagued with the malady known as corruption. Corruption remains the greatest undoing and bane of the nation’s socio-economic and political development as well as democratic consolidation. Evidently, the menace of corruption in a democratic ambience as Nigeria corrodes public trust in the system, magnifies unemployment and intensifies underdevelopment in all sectors of the economy. It is akin to a cancerous disease that spreads very rapidly through the host, destroys cells, weakens the body and in the process of time kills its victim. Although it pervades every strata of the society, this study is an exploration of the concept and context of political corruption with regards to political elites who hold positions of authority and in control of the society’s common wealth as exemplified in the play, Dawn of Awareness by Felix Akinsipe. This paper argues that sustainable development and political stability in Nigeria will remain a mirage for as long as political corruption continue to hold sway and remain unimpeded by not curbing the impunity with which political office holders indulge in corrupt practices. The paper recommends that stringent punitive measures must be put in place as well as value re-orientation for all public officers holding leadership positions.

Accountability in the Public Sector: The Role of Professional Accountants in the Present Democracy in Nigeria

The main objective of this paper is to highlight the essential role of professional accountants in enhancing public sector accountability in the present democratic era. The spate of public sector unaccountability scandals in the present democratic era in Nigeria evidently engenders the quest for proper accountability in the public sector. The paper begins with a conceptualization of accountability from the public sector perspective. It also attempts to cursorily highlight the nexus between public sector governance and accountability, before examining the issues currently undermining public sector accountability in Nigeria. It ends by pointing out the ways in which professional accountants can contribute to public sector accountability in Nigeria. In line with the many issues articulated in this paper, it is believed that a sense of value reorientation and strict adherence to professional code of ethics by professional accountants, among others, would reposition professional accountants to effectively contribute to public sector accountability in Nigeria.

Connecting Lockeian Social Contract Theory to the Crisis of Democratic Governance in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic

It is a well acknowledged fact that twenty years into the Fourth Republic, Nigeria is still grappling with the delivery of the socio-economic and political benefits or dividends of democratic governance; socio – economic welfare, justice, equity and equal access to the country’s resources and power – to the citizens of the country. This persistent phenomenon of ineffective and undemocratic governance has made scholars to severally describe Nigeria’s democracy as “ailing”, “fledging”, “nascent”, “illiberal”, etc. To explain this crisis of democratic governance, the paper mainly attributed it to the absence of the fundamental democratic principles espoused by the Lockeian conception of the social contract. Thus, the main argument of the study is that the absence of the Lock’s Social Contract democratic tenets in the practice of democracy in Nigeria is largely responsible for the ailing condition of the country’s democratic experience. To achieve its objective, the paper employed the elite theory and descriptive method of analysis to examine data derived from secondary sources. The paper concludes that for the country to make any meaningful process in democratic governance, deliberate measures need to be taken to strengthen democratic institutions in order to curb the excesses of the managers of the political system in Nigeria. Keywords: Lockes’ Social Contract Theory, Democratic Governance, Fourth Republic, Consent, Representative Democracy, Rule of law. DOI: 10.7176/DCS/10-2-07 Publication date: February 29 th 2020

The Impacts of Political Corruption on Democratic Consolidation and the Electoral Process in Nigeria

Since 1999, Nigeria has witnessed an uninterrupted democratic experiment with many challenges. With the installation of multi-party democracy in Nigeria, the era of military authoritarian regimes were over as Nigerians were looking forward to a free society characterized by social justice, economic growth and free, fair and credible electoral process. But today, democracy sits on the horn of a dilemma in Nigeria due to massive political corruption by the leaders. Free and fair election which is one of the features of true democracy has eluded Nigeria since the advent of the country’s nascent democratic dispensation. The behavior of the political leaders has cast doubt on any consolidation of democracy in Nigeria. This paper gives a comprehensive definition of political corruption and democratic consolidation, and highlights the nature of political corruption in Nigeria. The paper also examines the impact of corruption on the consolidation of democracy under the prevailing socio-economic challenges in Nigeria. Finally, the paper concludes with the advice that for there to be democratic consolidation, there must be massive investment in the provision of the basic needs of the Nigerian people.

Police brutality and human rights in Nigeria's democracy: Focus on restoration of man's dignity

After about twenty years of military rule in Nigeria, Nigerians seemed to have lost the ability to insist on their fundamental human rights. In this vein, any attempt to talk about human rights has been very controversial since the return of democracy in 1991 because the police seem to have taken over the lawlessness of the military as no day passes without a daily occurrence of extra judicial killings, accidental discharge, and other notorious acts against innocent citizens all over the country. Therefore, with police brutality observable in every nook and cranny of the Nigerian society, this study evaluates human rights abuses in Nigeria's democracy with a view to restoring man's dignity that is at lowest ebb today than ever. Since government seems confused on what steps to take to put a stop to the series of abuses of human rights, hypotheses were formulated and literatures related to the variables reviewed. Survey research design was adopted and a total sample of 150 respondents was selected through purposive sampling technique and simple random sampling technique. The hypotheses were tested at 0.05 significant levels and the results of the findings show that all the null hypotheses were rejected and the alternate hypotheses accepted at same significant levels. Among the findings, the study shows that the rule of law in Nigeria has fallen short of the expectations of the citizens. Secondly, the police force has become a stumbling block to the effective administration of Justice and efficient maintenance of law and order as cruelty against citizens are widespread. Furthermore, the sheer disrespect of rules of engagements with imunity by the police not only questions the ability of the government to protect its citizens but also undermines its credibility. Based on the findings, the study concludes that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have not only abdicated their constitutional functions, responsibilities and obligations to Nigerians, but are deeply engaged in human rights abuses, bribery, and extortions of money not only from motorists plying our roads but also in our habitudes at the least opportunity. In this light, the study recommends that as a security organization in a democracy, the Nigeria police should understand that democracy demands that the human personality in its course of development should be allowed to proceed without artificial forces or barricade so long as it actively does not violate the safety and reasonable right of others. In addition, there should be other far-reaching reforms and reorientations necessary to bring Nigeria's policing operations into conformity with constitutional and international human rights standards.

A study on engaging the problematic of governance and service delivery in democratic Nigeria

A study on engaging the problematic of governance and service delivery in democratic Nigeria

Vote Buying Syndrome in 2019 Election: A Threat to Modern Democracy in Nigeria

Vote Buying Syndrome in 2019 Election: A Threat to Modern Democracy in Nigeria

Political Culture, Elite Privilege and Democracy in Nigeria

This article examined the effect of Nigeria's political culture on its nascent democracy. Drawing on findings from a range of historical and empirical studies, the paper investigated how compatible Nigeria’s political culture is with democracy’s core values- liberty, justice and equality. Findings from a variety of references showed ways in which Nigeria’s political culture not only shapes state inefficiency and poor economic outcomes, but also provided evidence of how culture disrupts efforts at national unity and diversity. The study also showed how Nigeria’s political culture creates a winner-take-all approach to elections to the extent that widescale post-election violence is normalized. Culture also shapes hard attitudes towards the press and suppression of fundamental human rights. In sum, Nigeria’s political process is not likely to consolidate or deliver democratic dividends. The paper recommended that for democracy to act as catalyst for development across Africa, political awareness and social mobilization through new media are crucial.Key Words: African politics, Nigeria, democracy, political culture, development

Election, International Election Monitoring Groups and Nigeria’s Fourth Republic

A representative democracy can be achieved through a free and fair electoral environment. It is at the instance of ensuring free and fair election that observation has emerged as a fundamental principle in restoring people’s confidence, trust and appraising electoral integrity for democratic development. The participation and involvement of international election observers in electoral matters aim to ensure that elections are conducted in accordance with conventional democratic ethical standards across the globe. Premised on this background, this paper seeks to examine the role of international election observers in major elections conducted in Nigeria’s fourth republic. Six international election observation bodies were sampled: National Democratic Institute (NDI), The Commonwealth Secretariat (CS), European Commission (EC), International Republican Institute (IRI), Human Right Watch (HRW) and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The study unravels the essential roles of international election observers in 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011 elections in Nigeria. The paper therefore avers that international election observers have performed more than expectation in correcting previous electoral malfeasances through their dynamic reports and recommendations. Their monumental roles discerned the 2011 general election from the preceding 1999, 2003 and 2007 elections which were marred by miscellaneous electoral flaws in Nigeria. Thus, the paper recommends ultimate cooperation of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society, security agency and electorate with International Electoral Observers for the realization of sustainable democracy in Nigeria.

POLITICAL PARTIES AND CANDIDATES IMPOSITION IN NIGERIA: A MENACE TO DEMOCRACY AND NATIONAL SECURITY

Democracy operates principle of majority which requires equal political opportunities and liberties to aspirants to contest under political parties in recent times. Therefore political party has made formation of (representative) democracy easier and possible via the instrumentality of elections. Nigerian democracy is threatened by candidates imposition by some powerful party leaders due to lack of political parties internal democracy . The study adopted liberal theory of representation as its theoretical framework. With the aid of observational and secondary methods of inquiry, the study revealed that the practice of candidate imposition within political parties and sometimes in general elections by some powerful political parties leaders is affront to democracy as it disintegrates political parties, breaches human right of political parties members among others. The study also revealed that candidates imposition due to lack of political parties internal democracy practice threaten Nigeria democracy as it produces incompetent leaders who could not articulate the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians into achievable policies and programmes. Consequently, Nigerians are frustrated to the level that they are ignited easily and lure into violence which jeopardize national security. Creation of commission to regulates and monitors political parties primary elections and other activities, providing equal political opportunities to political parties members among others are recommended to strengthen political parties internal democracy in Nigeria.
 
 

Gunning for security governance in a resource-rich African state? Interrogating militarisation in a democratic Nigeria

ABSTRACTThis article examines the socio-historical factors that underpin the political sociology of militarism in Nigeria. In spite of subscribing to a democratic constitution and several regional mechanisms that advance democratic values, security governance in Nigeria has been marked by the increasing use of military force in responding to perceived threats posed by armed militias in the oil-rich Niger Delta. I argue that the securitisation of oil is fuels militarisation, facilitated by local, national and international actors. The turn to democratisation and changing conceptions of security have reinforced rather than reined in militarism, which results in a competitive and often violent politics between national, local and global security and military actors over access to and control of oil resources. These dynamics also result in dangerous socio-economic and political consequences for Niger Delta communities.

Effect of Electoral Malpractices on Sustainable Democracy in Nigeria

Effect of Electoral Malpractices on Sustainable Democracy in Nigeria

Challenges of Citizen Elections Observation in Nigeria: A Historical Perspective

The near six decades of Nigeria as an independent nation has been fraught with instability arising essentially from attempts at democracy through periodic elections. These elections have been largely chacterized by hooliganism, ballot-snatching, theft of election materials, kidnapping of political opponents, assassination of political rivals, arson, assault and physical destruction of election materials and even intimidation and outright molestation or killing of election officials. This paper therefore went down the memory lane to establish and, using the Marxist theory of state attempt to explain, the pattern of elections that have characterized democracy in Nigeria and locate the place of citizen observers in Nigerian elections.

Traditional Institutions and Their Roles: Toward Achieving Stable Democracy in Nigeria

Traditional institutions are formed to play a vital role in society, this paper examined the roles of traditional rulers in accomplishing stable democracy in Nigerian. Indeed, in the olden days, traditional rulers are believing to be royal fathers in their various domain, and they perform better in accomplishing firm democracy, but with coming of colonialist and democracy, the role of the traditional rulers became less recognized in the democratic system. This paper is qualitative in nature where data were obtained from secondary sources, and systematically reviewed these includes; books, journals, newspapers, magazines, published and unpublished documents. The study found that traditional institutions play a significant role in the olden days. But with the advent of the British colonial master and democracy, their power became less recognized in the democratic movements, this is because the traditional rulers were negated and have less power in the society. In explaining the topic under study, the researcher adopted two theories; these are Servant Leadership theory and Dependency theory, these theories centered on the autonomy of the traditional rulers and the qualities of the rulers in each society. the paper recommended that in order to have a steady democracy traditional institution need to be independent in discharging their duties, they also need to serve their people first not people to serve them. The paper concludes that traditional institutions play an important role in achieving a stable democracy if given autonomy and possess all leadership qualities.

Political Corruption, Government Legitimacy and Democracy in Nigeria, 1999 – 2015

The paper examined the effects of corruption among public officials and political leaders on government legitimacy and democracy in Nigeria between 1999 and 2015. The paper, which adopts documentary and qualitative descriptive methods in collecting and analyzing the relevant data, is underpinned by the elite theory. The contention of the paper is that endemic corruption in the polity can be situated among the ruling elites who control political power and resources. In the context of the power relations framework, state powers are manipulated and appropriated to amass resources and sustain networks of relationships core to consolidating elites hold on power as well as perpetuating the subordination of the un-elite majority. The finding from the paper shows that political corruption undermined the ability of government to deliver public goods and services, contributing in part to the decline in popular trust in government, institutions, processes and the attendant dissatisfaction with the political system in Nigeria during the period. The paper recommends that the political leadership in Nigeria needed to reconsider their present kind of politics which focuses more on money and self for a service oriented politics. This will enhance the rule of law, popular participation in governance, governmental accountability and legitimacy; and thereby halt the slide towards political authoritarianism and democratic reversal in Nigeria.

Religious Attachment and Social Development in the Web of Democracy in Nigeria

Religious Attachment and Social Development in the Web of Democracy in Nigeria

Leadership–followership disconnect and democratic decline in Nigeria

ABSTRACTLeadership dispositions in politics determine, to a large extent, the direction, nature and character of democracy and electoral politics. For a long time, Nigeria has had power-mongering leadership, whose dispositions have redefined followership behaviour. Leadership–followership disconnect has impacted on democracy. Consequently, democracy in Nigeria operates in breach of its tenets. Most elections in Nigeria are synonymous with insidious violence, which have attracted the attention of scholars with insightful analyses. However, there has to date been little systematic evaluation of the primary factors accounting for democratic decline in Nigeria with particular regard to leadership–followership dialectic. This article interrogates the relationship between leadership dispositions and followership behaviour and the effect on democracy. Using content analysis, this article finds evidence that leadership–followership disconnect is the most important factor accounting for democratic decline in Nigeria. The findings are relevant both for understanding the dynamics of leadership–followership disconnect and its impact on democracy in Nigeria.

The changing nature and pattern of intra-party conflict in Nigeria’s fourth republic: Critical assessment of All Progressives Congress

This study is an analysis of the nature and pattern of intra-party conflict in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic with specific reference to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Intra-party conflict has been the norm in Nigerian politics leading to crises, setback and failure of many parties to forge ahead for proper democratisation in Nigeria including the ruling parties in many instances. The problem is the way in which intra-party conflict is becoming the bane of democratisation and good governance in Nigeria for many decades and despite the previous experiences, the phenomenon continued unabated. The study investigated the new dimension of intra-party conflict in Nigeria taking the APC as the case study. The study used a qualitative method of data collection and analysis. Primary and secondary sources of data were used. The primary data involved in-depth interviews with some selected informants from the relevant institutions and agencies related to the APC and the crises such as the national party executives, senior officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and academicians that are experts in the area of study. The secondary sources included were books, journals, newspapers, internets and other documented materials. The data obtained were discussed using content analysis where thematic analytical interpretations were used in the discussions. The research discovered that, the intra-party conflict under the APC has taken a new dimension where the members of the ruling party constituted an opposition and a stumbling block for the party’s progress and governance. The work recommends that intra-party conflict of APC and other Nigerian political parties can be resolved through constitutional reforms, institutionalisation of party ideology and principles as well as strict sanctions from the national party leaders. Keywords : All Progressives Congress , democracy, good governance, intra-party conflicts, Nigeria’s fourth republic, political party