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Essay on Democracy in Nigeria | Challenges and Prospects

Nigeria, a federal democratic nation modeled on the United States, stands as Africa’s most populous country and largest economy. Despite these significant attributes, the journey towards a robust democracy in Nigeria encounters numerous impediments at all government levels. These challenges range from intense political rivalry, and communal and ethnic discord, to a pressing lack of transparency in political life.

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Democracy in Nigeria Essay | Challenges and Prospects

Historical impediments to democracy.

At the core of Nigeria’s ongoing struggle for political inclusion lies its complex founding history. The country’s origins can be traced back to its establishment as a profit-driven entity by an imperial European power, which unfortunately overshadowed the aspirations and desires of its diverse population. Since gaining independence in 1960, Nigerian administrations have been grappling with the monumental task of building public trust and fostering equitable distribution of power and benefits among the various ethnic, religious, and linguistic communities that make up the nation. This multifaceted challenge requires continuous efforts and thoughtful considerations to create a truly inclusive and harmonious society for all Nigerians.

Disillusionment (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); with Electoral Processes

Recent national and state-level elections, despite the high hopes for increased voter participation and transparent election results, unfortunately, fell short of delivering on these promises. As a result, there has been a widespread sense of disappointment among Nigerians, who are now questioning the effectiveness and integrity of Nigeria’s electoral processes. It is crucial to address these concerns and work towards implementing reforms that restore faith in the democratic system and ensure fair and trustworthy elections for all citizens. Only by doing so can we strengthen our democracy and uphold the principles of transparency and accountability.

The Power of Youth in Fostering Democracy

Despite the numerous challenges, Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to democracy shines through, especially fueled by the country’s vibrant youth, who make up approximately 70% of the population. This emerging generation seems to herald the arrival of a new era, as they vociferously advocate for transparency and integrity in political affairs, hinting at the possibility of a transformative shift in Nigeria’s democratic landscape. Their collective voice resonates with hope and the promise of a brighter future, where the principles of democracy are upheld with unwavering dedication.

In conclusion, Nigeria’s democracy may be fraught with challenges, but its relentless pursuit of democratic ideals and political inclusivity inspires many. This struggle is not just Nigeria’s; it has continental implications and the potential for setting democratic precedents in neighboring countries. Therefore, the international community must pay close attention to Nigeria’s democratic journey, recognizing its broader significance within the African context. Despite the challenges, Nigeria, through its youthful demographic, offers a beacon of hope for the transformation and strengthening of its democratic institutions.

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In This Article Expand or collapse the "in this article" section Nigerian Politics and Government

Introduction, general overview.

  • Independence and Post-independence Politics
  • Presidentialism and Politics in the Second Republic (1979–1983)
  • Failed Democratic Transition and Politics of the Third Republic
  • The Fourth Republic (1999–)
  • Military Rule in Nigerian Politics
  • Politics of Federalism
  • Political Economy of Oil
  • Ethnic Politics
  • Religion and Politics
  • Insurgency and Separatist Violence

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  • Comparative Politics of Africa
  • Comparative Politics of Federalism
  • Democratization in Africa
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  • Presidential Candidate Selection in Comparative Perspective

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Nigerian Politics and Government by Hakeem Onapajo LAST REVIEWED: 23 June 2023 LAST MODIFIED: 23 June 2023 DOI: 10.1093/obo/9780199756223-0361

Nigeria’s status as the “Giant of Africa” is not only an expression suggesting it has the largest population size in the region, but also implies the immense influence the Nigerian state has on African politics and society. It is arguable that a proper understanding of politics and government in Nigeria should provide a good understanding of African politics. Nigeria is a product of British colonialism and gained its independence in 1960. Being a plural society with multiple ethnic groups, the Nigerian political system is built on a three-tier federal system (federal, state, and local governments). Modeled after the American model of democracy, Nigeria operates a presidential system that produces a president exercising enormous executive power at the federal level and a governor as head of the executive in the thirty-six (subnational) states in the federation. The legislative system is bicameral at the federal level and unicameral at the state level. With an estimated 300 ethnic groups, Nigeria is often considered the most diverse society in Africa. Despite the multiple ethnic groupings, three major ethnic groups dominate the political space given their population and linguistic spread over other groups. The majority groups are the Hausa-Fulani (northern region), Yoruba (western region) and the Igbo (eastern region). Besides these majority groups, there are hundreds of minority groups spread across the different regions of the country. In addition to ethnicity, religion represents another significant component of Nigerian society and has a major influence on politics. Nigerians mostly identify with Christianity or Islam, while a few associate with the African Traditional Religion. In geographical spread, there are more Muslims in the northern region and more Christians in the southern region. Over the years, ethnicity and religion have been a major factor in Nigerian politics, determining access to power and distribution of values. These factors have become a major driver of politics and therefore feature prominently in any discourse about politics and government in Nigeria. Politics in Nigeria since independence has oscillated between civilian democracy and military rule. Democracy failed at three different periods before the present democratic regime, which began in 1999. The military interventions and abrupt end to democratic rules give room for the periodization of the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Republics that is often employed as a framework of analysis in the study of Nigerian politics and government.

Scholarship on Nigerian politics and government is abundantly available. The topic has been one of the most studied in African politics. Major works that have become more influential on politics and government in Nigeria belong to different generations based on political phenomena at politico-historical phases of the state. The first generation of work, which can be referred to as classical studies of Nigerian political science, are books that offer compelling analysis of politics in the pre-independence and early post-independence eras. These include Sklar 1963 , which is the foundational and most referenced work on political parties and electoral politics in Nigeria. Post 1963 examines the politics of the 1959 federal elections that preceded Nigeria’s independence in 1960. Awa 1964 provides a useful analysis of the institutional framework for the government that emerged after independence. Dudley 1968 is a study of political parties in northern Nigeria. Another major contribution by the same author, Dudley 1973 provides a rich account of the politics that led to the collapse of the First Republic (1960–1966) in Nigeria’s political history. The second generation of works emerged in the 1970s and 1980s and focused more on the politics of military rule, after the first military coup of 1966, and the politics of the second attempt at democratic rule, otherwise known as the Second Republic (1979–1983). Some of the most visible among them include Adamolekun 1985 , Falola and Ihonvbere 1985 and Joseph 1987 . The period that followed saw the consolidation of power by military regimes and controversial democratic transition periods. The politics of this era, particularly from 1983 to 1993, was sufficiently studied in the third-generation studies, including the edited volume Diamond, et al. 1997 and Osaghae 1998 . Nigeria’s politics and government under the recent transition to democracy in 1999 are examined in the fourth generation of works on Nigerian political studies, including Said Adejumobi 2010 and Agbu 2016 .

Adamolekun, Ladipo. The Fall of the Second Republic . Ibadan, Nigeria: Spectrum Books, 1985.

The contribution of Adamolekun remains one of the most visible in the second generation of Nigerian political studies. It gives useful analysis of the factors that accounted for the collapse of democracy after the military coup of 1983.

Adejumobi, Said, ed. Governance and Politics in Post-military Nigeria: Changes and Challenges . New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2010.

Adejumobi’s edited book is a typical example of the current generation of Nigerian political studies that captures politics and government after the transition to democracy in 1999.

Agbu, Osita, ed. Elections and Governance in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic . Dakar, Senegal: CODESRIA, 2016.

Agbu’s edited volume approaches the present Nigerian democratic journey from the lens of elections since 1999.

Awa, Eme. Federal Government in Nigeria . Berkeley: University of California Press, 1964.

DOI: 10.1525/9780520339064

The book is a major foundational study to understand the structure of Nigerian federalism.

Diamond, Larry, Anthony Kirk-Greene, Oyeleye Oyediran. Transition without End: Nigerian Politics and Civil Society under Babangida . Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner, 1997.

DOI: 10.1515/9781685856199

An edited volume that provides different perspectives of the politics of military rule, with emphasis on the Babangida-led regime.

Dudley, Billy. Parties and Politics in Northern Nigeria . London: Frank Cass, 1968.

The most detailed study on politics and the party system in northern Nigeria in the post-independence era.

Dudley, Billy. Instability and Political Order: Politics and Crisis in Nigeria . Ibadan, Nigeria: Ibadan University Press, 1973.

The book is a well-referenced study on the politics of the First Republic, as it provides a profound analysis of the factors responsible for the fall of the civilian regime in 1966.

Falola, Toyin, and Julius Ihonvbere. The Rise and Fall of Nigeria’s Second Republic, 1979–84 . London: Zed Books, 1985.

This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the politics, government, and economy in the Second Republic.

Joseph, Richard. Democracy and Prebendal Politics in Nigeria: The Rise and Fall of the Second Republic . Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 1987.

Perhaps the best account of the politics of neo-patrimonialism in the Second Republic. The author’s arguments are used as a framework to understand contemporary politics in Nigeria. Subsequent books have been published to advance the author’s perspective.

Osaghae, Eghosa E. Crippled Giant: Nigeria since Independence . Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1998.

Belonging to the third generation, the book offers a highly comprehensive account of Nigerian government and politics since independence.

Post, Kenneth W. J. The Nigerian Federal Election of 1959 . Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1963.

The book provides a comprehensive account of the federal election that ushered in Nigeria’s independence in 1960. It belongs to the classical works that introduce Nigerian political system to the international audience.

Sklar, Richard. Nigerian Political Parties: Power in an Emergent African Nation . Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1963.

Being one of the pioneer studies in Nigerian political studies, the book is one of the most cited contributions produced by the first set of political scientists, mostly foreign scholars, in Nigeria.

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20 years of democracy: Has Nigeria changed for the better?

Two decades after the West African country’s army handed power to a civilian leader, many question if life has improved.

Nigeria economy - UpFront

Two decades ago, in a colourful ceremony held in the capital, Abuja, Nigeria’s military handed over power to an elected civilian leader.

Generals had ruled the oil-rich West African country for the previous 15 years.

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The ceremony was attended by heads of state and representatives from more than 40  countries.

The mood was upbeat and the new leader promised prosperity to the thousands of his countrymen who were in the stadium. Millions of others watched the ceremony on television. Others listened to newly elected president Olusegun Obasanjo’s speech on radio.

But after 20 years of democracy and four presidents, where is Nigeria today?

Economic malaise

The country’s economy has seen a boom since the return of civilian rule. Nigeria’s GDP has grown six-fold since 1999, according to World Bank data.

In 1999, despite its vast oil wealth, Nigeria’s GDP was a mere $59bn. That figure skyrocketed to $375bn by the end of 2017.

“The economy is doing much better now because there is a greater level of trust in our economic institutions. There is also more foreign investments now compared to the military era,” Aliyu Audu, an Abuja-based economist, told Al Jazeera.

Nigeria, the continent’s most populous country, is still heavily reliant on oil. Petroleum represents more than 80 percent of total export revenue, according to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

When the global oil price crashed in 2016, Nigeria’s economy was not spared. The country went into a recession, its first in 25 years.

The economy, the biggest on the continent ahead of South Africa, has not fully recovered. Unemployment stands at 23 percent and inflation at 11 percent, according to official figures.

“Nigeria’s economy needs to diversify. We need to tap into the agricultural sector where the country can put millions of the unemployed to work. Investment in infrastructure will also put many young people to work and reduce double-digit inflation,” Audu said.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics figures, 43 percent of the country’s 190 million population is either unemployed or underemployed.

Despite the recent economic boom, extreme poverty is common. Some 87 million Nigerians live in dire poverty, according to Washington-based Brookings Institution.

Nigeria overtook India, a country of 1.3 billion people, last year as the country that is home to the most extremely impoverished people in the world, it said.

Vast corruption

Nigeria still remains one of the most corrupt nations on the planet. Transparency International ranked the country 144 out 180 in its 2018 corruption perceptions index.

If corruption is not dealt with immediately it could cost Nigeria up to 37 percent of its GDP by 2030, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), a global auditing firm.

This cost equates to nearly $2,000 per Nigerian resident by 2030, PwC said.

President Muhammadu Buhari launched an anti-corruption drive after taking office in May 2015.

“Corruption is still a huge problem, but it is not like what it was before. That is because the people have the choice to get rid of a leader if he is corrupt. That was not possible under the military generals. There are also whistleblowers now,” Audu noted.

Security issues

Since 2009, northeastern Nigeria has been hit by security challenges. Boko Haram, a group that wants to establish an Islamic state following a strict interpretation of Islamic law, has waged a deadly insurgency.

The violence has killed thousands of people and forced more than two million from their homes.

The United Nations and human rights activists accused both Boko Haram and security forces fighting it of putting civilians, including many children, in harm’s way.

The violence has spread to neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, prompting a regional military coalition against the armed group.

In recent weeks, the coalition forces have pounded Boko Haram hideouts in the Lake Chad area with air strikes as well as launching ground assaults.

Boko Haram fighters kidnapped at least 276 girls from a secondary school in Chibok town. Five years after the attack, more than 112 girls are still missing.

A total of 107 girls have been found or released as part of a deal between the Nigerian government and the armed group.

Boko Haram allegedly operates its largest camp in the vast Sambisa forest in Nigeria’s northeast.

The forest stretches for about 60,000 square kilometres in the southern part of the northeastern state of Borno, which has borne the brunt of Boko Haram’s violence.

“More needs to be done to protect and preserve basic human rights in parts of the northeast. People live in fear from Boko Haram,” Eze Onyekpere, a human rights activist, told Al Jazeera.

“Apart from the areas facing Boko Haram insurgency, rights of citizens have improved significantly since the return of civilian rule. Arbitrary arrests and torture are not common. We also have a constitution that safeguards the rights of all citizens,” Onyekpere added.

Press freedom

Under the military, press freedom was severely restricted. Whistleblowers faced detention and possibly torture in custody.

Twenty years later, Nigeria has a vibrant media with the country also hosting bureaus for some of the world’s major media groups.

Reporters Without Borders ranks Nigeria 120 out of 180 in its 2019 press freedom index.

“Nigeria has come a long way, but it still has a long way to go. We could have been far ahead of where are currently,” Onyekpere said.

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Live, study and work in canada. no payment is required hurry now click here to apply >> immigrate to canada, democracy in nigeria; overview, brief history, problems, prospects, democracy in nigeria.

Nigeria, as a country is developing and there are quite a number of things that needed to be improved. Nigeria needs changes in the areas of political, and economic, as well as, social development.

Someone talked about the history of democracy in Nigeria, and for me, history is not yet over. And l think Nigerians should recollect the origin of democracy in Nigeria.

Of course, we should know that no one country is perfect. Quite a number of countries are still in the process of learning how to tolerate, and also stay out of corruption, as well as choose the right leaders to run the government and plan for the future of Nigeria.

Read Also:  Group tasks politicians on sustenance of democratic process

Democracy in Nigeria; Overview, Brief History, Problems, Prospects

The task at hand, however, is not an easy task. To be a republic is never a joke. Nevertheless, someone may ask, when did the country, Nigeria actually blame a republic? You may wish to read a brief history of democracy in Nigeria below.

Brief History of Democracy

The term in old Greek means a rule of the people. The modern type of democracy we are practicing today was developed far back in the 19th and 20th centuries.

A country becoming a democracy has been the latest trend right from the 70s. That is why many nations of the world are today, sharing the values of democracy, and Nigeria, as a country is not an exception.

Read Also:  The Role of Citizenship Education in Improving Democratic System of Government in Nigeria

All Time Best Governor in Nigeria

When Nigeria Became A Republic

Nigeria actually celebrates May 29th as the official Democracy Day. But democracy in Nigeria began in the year, 1960. It was on October 1, of that year, when Nigeria was officially announced as a country that gained independence from Great Britain. And if l may say, there is a long history, however, of various government that were former in

Nigeria since when Nigeria gained its independence in 1960, and if you will not mind, l will love to mention some of the major stages and some dates as democracy develops in Nigeria.

Brief History of Democracy in Nigeria

After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, the country was ranked as the citizens of the 4th biggest democratic country the world over. Nigeria, however, had experienced the first military coup in the year, 1966, while its civil war actually broke out in the year, 1967, and lasted up till 1970.

Nevertheless, there was the possibility of restoring democracy for a couple of years in 1978, and that period was not a long period, it only lasted shortly and then, was over in 1983.

Nigeria, in a considerable year throughout its ‘young’ history, was characterized with military coups. Some Nigerian rulers, who were on the seat of power, had promised to return Nigeria to democracy, but, only General Abdulsalami Abubakar who assumed power after Sani Abacha death actually kept that promised, and Nigeria’s modern democracy and its Constitution officially Kick-started in 1999.

The elections conducted in 1999 were successful elections, which had put to a stop the military rule Nigeria. The new democratically elected President Olusegun Obasanjo then had put the end to military regimes in this country, and after that year till date, Nigeria is always transiting democratically from one government to another in the last 30 years.

And today, Nigeria’s democracy is celebrated on a yearly basis. Although, there are some political hurdles that Nigeria needs to overcome.

Nevertheless, the country has dreamt about a country that is prosperous with a better economy, and improved standard of living and also the security of lives and properties.

Read Also:  Money Politics in Nigeria and its effects on our brand of democracy

Problems of Democracy

The problems of democracy in Nigeria are discussed below:

1. Socio-politically Inequality

Social and economic and political inequality in Nigerian democracy is one permanent feature, and you will that there are some set of persons, who have access to power, while others do not.

Social injustice has become an issue in Nigerian democracy. One can imagine the level of marginalization of ethnic minorities in the country, and another one, the religious manipulation for political gain, and all of these come from what is called the indigene-settler dichotomy.

2. Corruption

There is uncontrollable corruption at where politics is played in Nigeria, and both the government bureaucracy and their public officials are unimaginably corrupt.

Corruption has now become a culture in Nigeria, people are now accepting it as a way of life in the country, and one wonders why there is that deep mistrust on the part of Nigerian public for those who governed them.

3. Godfatherism

This is a problem in Nigerian democracy. How do you imagine some influential citizens of Nigeria trading on electoral positions, as if these are their private properties and/or their entitlements, and you wonder why those chosen by their political godfather for electoral position will not misrepresent their constituents who voted them into office, by pursuing their personal interest and those of their political sponsors.

Read Also:  The role of the Church in Politics, Democracy and Governance in Nigeria

Prospects of Democracy

Below are some of the prospects of nigerian democracy:, 1. equality before the law.

Democracy preaches equality before the law, and that simply means every that every Nigerian, irrespective of his tribe or political geographical zone, is the same in the eye of the law.

Every person is treated fairly, no nepotism, no political connection, no favourism, everyone is treated equally. This is a noble idea when we talk about democracy.

2. Promotion Of Transition Of Government

There is changing from one democratic government to another without violence and crisis, while citizens are being provided with a sense of political participation, even when power is being changed from one political party to a different political party.

And in a situation such as this, the ruling political party is prevented from being more powerful, but making its citizens have a fair share of good governance

3. Prevention Of Monopoly Of Authority

The truth remained that, every government has an election term, and here political parties are competing to gain or regain power and authority. In a situation as such, democracy actually prevents a monopoly of the ruling authority over the other. The ruling party is at this point expected to work for the people otherwise, they will not be re-elected.

Read Also:  9 Ways to Improve Nigerian Democracy

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How to write Essay About Democracy in Nigeria?

College and university students are often given controversial assignments that are far from easy to accomplish. One of these assignments can be writing a basic essay about democracy in Nigeria. Actually, writing a paper on controversial “bright” topics is not an easy task because there are numerous aspects and facts to explore. At the same time, it is easy to get lost in the information details and focusing on primary facts will help you to accomplish your writing assignment. Otherwise, look for additional help and follow essay basics writing steps that we will gladly offer you to you. We have gathered a team of writers who will write a professional essay for you that will serve you as an example of what your essay should look like in the first place

Table of Contents

Writing an Essay About Democracy in Nigeria

It is a common knowledge if you want to solve a problem, first you should identify it. After analyzing the problem and studying all aspects of it, it is necessary to provide appropriate recommendations and possible solutions to the problem. When you write basic essay about democracy in Nigeria, you should take the same approach. Without identifying a problem, there will be no solutions to look for. The main aim of essay about democracy in Nigeria is to examine problems of democracy establishment in this country since 1960 when Nigeria became an independent country from Britain.

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Possible topics to discus in your Essay about Democracy in Nigeria

  • The Dilemma.
  • Democracy, Government and Freedom.
  • Review Democracy in Action.
  • Democracy: Virtual Representation.
  • The People and the Democracy in Nigeria.
  • Democracy Model in Nigeria.
  • Democracy and its influence on Economy of Nigeria.
  • Getting to know the Democracy in Nigeria.
  • The Press and the Democracy in Nigeria.

There is a widespread opinion that the main problem of Nigerian democracy is absence of real charismatic leaders, who can efficiently manage human resources of this country. Mismanagement of the God-given resources in Nigeria resulted in massive unemployment and high level of poverty in the country. Consequently, it led to never-ending tension among people, lack of patriotic feelings and ongoing vandalizing. Political and economic instability influence all the aspects of human well-being in the most negative way.

The essay about democracy in Nigeria aims to find the reasons of democratic problems in the country, providing solutions for already existing problems and preventing prospective threats in the future.

The Reasons of Nigerian Problems with Democracy

  • Nigerian people do not want to learn from their own history, leading to the repeating of the same problems year after year.
  • Failure of country leaders and their inefficiency in ruling of the country.
  • Complexity and heterogeneity of Nigerian population.
  • Existence of several hundreds of mutually unintelligible languages, spoken in the country, provoking misunderstanding among people and government in general.

How to improve situation with democracy in Nigeria?

  • Leadership is a key factor in the development of Nigerian democracy and society in general.
  • Strong leader who will govern the country should be the center of social, economic and political life of Nigeria.
  • If one compares democracy in Nigeria with a ship, the country leader is the captain. Captain’s determination, commitment and skills bring success to the voyage. The country leader as a ship’s captain should have commitment to result, self-discipline, strong faith and in the success of all his deeds.
  • Nigerian leader should have courage to take risks, to make challenging decisions that will lead to the development and growth of the country’s economy.

What is worth mentioning in your Essay about Democracy?

  • One more thing that is obligatory for the development of the country is the belief in democracy. Belief of every society member into success of the country is simply crucial. Even the smallest child should understand that his hands create success of the country. Every person should strive for creation of a better future for his society. Every person should strive for the development of the democracy because democracy supports freedom. Democracy provides equality in high esteem. And these are factors worth to fight for, factors that can be the life goal for people, especially living in Nigeria.

How Can We Help?

If you find yourself struggling with writing a competitive essay about democracy in Nigeria, we believe you can trust your basics writing assignments to our team of professional writers. Having a wide experience in variety of paper writing assignments from students around the globe, we will gladly help you with your assignments as well.

write an essay on the topic democracy in nigeria

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Political power in Nigeria

write an essay on the topic democracy in nigeria

By way of introduction, this serial, Political Power in Nigeria, will analyse the dynamics of Nigerian politics, particularly democracy and the politics of succession. Hopefully, it will terminate after the general election in February. Its objective is to contribute to the understanding of the conflicting dynamics of the Nigerian political space. The first point of analysis is to look at the power perspective to understanding Nigerian politics in the context of the preponderance of pollster projections ahead of the 2023 general election.

A few scholars have attempted to look at the dynamics of Nigerian politics in the past and contemporary times from the prism of power. For example, Professor Emmanuel Aiyede of the Political Science Department, University of Ibadan wrote “Emi lokan: Between elite political settlement and the real politik of individual ambition.”

Aiyede noted that the resolution of the June 12 crisis of the 1990s was based on the principle of power shift and rotation of key political offices between the north and the south. However, the advent of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the flag bearers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) respectively, he argued, has upended the very principle, and would perhaps undermine the stability it was meant to guarantee in the polity.

Anoja Adagbo, Editor of an online medium, Intervention, and currently a doctoral candidate at St Andrews University, Scotland, analysed the contradictory dynamics of the ruling APC, titled “Power Struggle Rocks APC, Nigeria’s Ruling Party, Over Choice of Presidential Candidate”, posted on June 6, 2022. He mainly underlined the lurking danger for the party on the choice of either a candidate from the north or the south in a divided wall of reasoning between the party leadership and the governors.

Dr. Edwin Madunagu, former Oped Editor of The Guardian, and Chairman of the Editorial Board, has kept pace with analysing the power-blocs in the country with several essays on the power-blocs and their instruments of contestation for power. He wrote “Obasanjo and the Third Power-Bloc” on November 23, 2000, where he underlined two main power- blocs, namely, northern and southern blocs, the former traced to Alhaji Ahmadu Bello and the latter built on the heritage of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

In his essay titled “Nigeria and the Concept of the balance of Power” (2004), Taiwo Akinola, a consistent voice from London, and staunch member of the Movement for National Reformation (MNR), has underlined Nigeria’s problem as the absence of balance of power between the component nationalities.

Professor Brown Onuoha, a retired lecturer from the University of Lagos, has consistently emphasised the need for political scientists to focus on power as sociologists who focus on society. Thus, there is no major discontent in a power perspective to grappling with the pace of politics in Nigeria.

However, an analysis of the locus of power will enhance understanding of the possible outcome of the ongoing succession process, that is, who will become the president of Nigeria in May 2023. To walk along this path, would mean an examination of what Odia Ofeimun has called the ‘Lugardian Architecture’, “a sacral writ which requires power to reside only where the colonial mandate wanted it to be or in favour of British exploitation” upon which I shall invest elaboration.

Despite other insights on this subject, Ofeimun’s argument is instantiated by the nature and content of the institutions of the state, accounting for the reification of the Lugardian Architecture. A recourse to the insights offered by Peter Smithers and Harold Smith, two British bureaucrats, on the rigging of the 1959 general elections; Kole Omotosho and Babatunde Ahonsi, on the manipulation of census figures in “Just Before Dawn” (1988) and “Deliberate Falsification and Census Data in Nigeria” (1988); and Kunle Lawal’s “The United States and the Decolonisation Process in Nigeria” (1945-60) [1996], would provide evidence on the fostering of an inheritance elite in the Nigerian state.

I shall revert to the above references in subsequent installments of this serial. Certainly, to track the possible trajectory of power in 2023 requires a scrutiny of the occupants who control the levers of power in that Lugardian edifice. Like it or not, the wielders of power, in other words, the “owners of Nigeria” who control state institutions, will determine, in the main, the outcome of the ongoing electoral turnover.

Therefore, it is apposite to ask: What is the thinking in the northern power-bloc? Is the bloc ready to concede power to the south in 2023? Is it thinking of retaining power? Will contrived political strictures hinder a smooth transition of power come 2023? Does the emergence of Atiku as PDP’s flag bearer, despite the party’s constitutional provision on rotational principle that is now controversial, mean a reluctance to shift power to the south? What are the likely consequences of a derailed electoral turnover? I shall address these questions subsequently. Next, I shall discus the Lugardian Architecture.

Akhaine, a Professor of Political Science and visiting member of The Guardian Editorial Board, was the former General Secretary of the Campaign for Democracy in Nigeria.

In this article

  • Alhaji Atiku Abubakar
  • Nigerian politics
  • Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu

write an essay on the topic democracy in nigeria

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Essay on Nigeria My Country

Students are often asked to write an essay on Nigeria My Country in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Nigeria My Country

Introduction to nigeria.

Nigeria is a country in West Africa. It is known for its rich culture and many languages. The land has forests, mountains, and rivers. Many people live in Nigeria, making it Africa’s most populated country.

Nigerian Culture

The culture in Nigeria is colorful. People enjoy music, dance, and art. They celebrate festivals with joy. Clothing is often bright and beautiful. Nigerian food is tasty and includes rice, soups, and spices.

Places in Nigeria

Nigeria has exciting places to see. There are big cities like Lagos and natural spots like the Zuma Rock. Visitors like to see the wildlife and markets too.

Nigeria faces some problems. Not all children can go to school, and keeping the environment clean is tough. Leaders are working to solve these issues.

Nigeria is a country with friendly people and a strong spirit. It is full of life and has a future full of promise. It is a place many call home with pride.

250 Words Essay on Nigeria My Country

Nigeria is a country in West Africa. It’s known for its colorful culture, rich history, and natural beauty. With over 200 million people, it’s the most populous country in Africa and the seventh in the world.

Land and Nature

The land in Nigeria is very diverse. There are sandy beaches, large rivers, and even forests. The country also has a lot of wildlife, including elephants and lions. Nigeria’s weather is mostly hot since it’s close to the equator, but it also has rainy and dry seasons.

Culture and People

Nigeria is home to many different groups of people. Each group has its own language, traditions, and festivals. Music and dance are very important in Nigerian culture. The country is famous for its Nollywood film industry, which is one of the largest in the world.

Nigeria has a lot of natural resources like oil and gas. These resources play a big role in its economy. Agriculture is also important; many people farm products like cocoa and peanuts.

Nigeria faces some challenges, such as making sure everyone has enough food and access to education. The country is working to solve these problems and make life better for its people.

Nigeria is a country with a lot of diversity and potential. Even though it has challenges, its rich culture and natural resources make it a unique and important part of the world.

500 Words Essay on Nigeria My Country

Nigeria is a country located in West Africa. It is known for its rich history, diverse cultures, and natural resources. With over 200 million people, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and the seventh most populous in the world. The land is full of life and color, with many languages spoken and various traditions practiced.

Geography and Climate

The country has a varied landscape that includes beaches, mountains, forests, and deserts. The climate is tropical, with rainy and dry seasons that change depending on the area. The southern part of Nigeria is mostly wet and green, while the north can be hot and dry. This makes Nigeria home to a wide range of plants and animals, some of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

Nigeria’s culture is a tapestry of the many ethnic groups that live there. The country has over 250 ethnic groups, with the Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba being the largest. Each group has its own customs, language, and way of life. Music and dance are important in Nigerian culture, with traditional beats like Afrobeat and Highlife being popular. Nigerian movies, known as Nollywood, are famous across Africa and tell stories that reflect the lives of the people.

Nigerian food is as diverse as its people. Dishes are often made with rice, beans, and yams, and are seasoned with spices that make them flavorful. Some popular foods include jollof rice, a spicy dish made with tomatoes and rice, and suya, which is grilled meat with a tasty spice rub. These foods are not just tasty but also a way to bring people together, as meals are a time for family and friends to share stories and enjoy each other’s company.

Nigeria has a growing economy that is one of the largest in Africa. It is rich in resources like oil and natural gas, which are important for the country’s wealth. Agriculture is also a key part of the economy, with many people working in farming to grow crops like cocoa, peanuts, and palm oil. Nigeria’s markets are full of life, with people buying and selling goods every day.

Like any country, Nigeria faces challenges. Some areas have to deal with poverty and not having enough schools or hospitals. There are also times when different groups disagree, leading to conflict. Despite these issues, many Nigerians are working hard to make their country a better place, focusing on education, health, and peace.

Nigeria is a country with a heart full of rhythm and a spirit that shines. Its landscapes are breathtaking, its cultures are vibrant, and its people are strong and resilient. Even with the difficulties it faces, Nigeria continues to move forward, building a future that honors its rich past and looks ahead with hope. For many Nigerians, their homeland is more than just a place on the map—it is a part of who they are.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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write an essay on the topic democracy in nigeria

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