Written by: Dr Braimoh Denzel Aruna.
Nigeria’s democratic practice is riddled with complex challenges that prevent the system from functioning as a true democracy. These challenges are deep-rooted and span across political, economic, social, and institutional dimensions. Let’s dive into the major ones:
- Electoral Malpractices and Lack of Credible Elections:
Elections in Nigeria are often characterized by:
Vote Buying and Selling: Politicians exploit poverty by offering money or gifts in exchange for votes.
Rigging and Manipulation: Ballot box snatching, result falsification, and underage voting remain rampant.
Violence and Intimidation: Elections are frequently marred by violence, making the process dangerous for voters.
- Corruption and Abuse of Power:
Corruption runs deep in Nigeria’s political system. Public funds meant for development are diverted into private pockets. Politicians see public office as a means of personal enrichment rather than a platform for service. This erodes trust in government and hinders democratic accountability. - Weak Institutions and Lack of Rule of Law:
Institutions like the judiciary, police, and anti-corruption agencies are often manipulated by the executive or political elites. When institutions aren’t independent, they can’t hold leaders accountable or protect citizens’ rights. - Godfatherism and Elite Dominance:
Political godfathers — wealthy and influential figures — control who gets into power. Candidates are often selected based on loyalty to these godfathers rather than merit, creating a cycle of patronage where elected officials serve their sponsors instead of the people. - Insecurity and Violence:
Rising insecurity undermines democracy by creating fear and instability. Issues like terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes make it difficult for citizens to exercise their rights freely. In many areas, security forces either fail to protect citizens or become perpetrators of violence themselves. - Suppression of Opposition and Civil Liberties:
In a true democracy, opposing voices should be heard. However, in Nigeria, opposition parties are often harassed, protests are violently suppressed, and journalists are intimidated or arrested. This stifles political debate and weakens democratic principles. - Poverty and Economic Inequality:
Widespread poverty makes democratic participation difficult. Many Nigerians are more focused on survival than political engagement. Politicians exploit this by offering financial inducements in exchange for votes, creating a transactional form of politics. - Ethno-Religious Division:
Nigeria’s diversity should be a strength, but politicians often exploit ethnic and religious identities for personal gain. This fosters division, weakens national unity, and distracts from issues of governance and development. - Lack of Political Education and Awareness:
Many citizens lack awareness of their democratic rights and responsibilities. This makes it easy for politicians to manipulate public opinion and difficult for citizens to hold leaders accountable. - Judiciary Compromise and Delayed Justice:
The judiciary, which should be a pillar of democracy, is often slow and susceptible to external influence. Electoral disputes take years to resolve, and justice is rarely swift or impartial.
Democracy in Nigeria is still a work in progress, but the weight of these challenges threatens its growth. True democratic practice will require:
Strengthening institutions to ensure independence and accountability.
Enforcing electoral reforms to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections.
Promoting civic education to empower citizens to demand better governance.
Reducing poverty and inequality to create a level playing field for political participation.
The road ahead is tough, but with active citizen participation and genuine reforms, Nigeria can build a more inclusive and accountable democracy.
In Nigeria, political party loyalty often overshadows the evaluation of individual candidates, contributing to poor governance and underdevelopment. It’s time for voters to shift focus and prioritize individual merit over party affiliation. Here’s why:
- Parties Don’t Guarantee Good Governance
Political parties in Nigeria often lack clear ideologies. Candidates frequently switch parties to secure power, making party loyalty meaningless. What truly matters is the competence, integrity, and track record of the individual running for office, not the party they belong to.
- Breaking the Cycle of Mediocrity
Blind party loyalty allows unqualified candidates to ride on party popularity to win elections. When voters prioritize individual merit, they break the cycle of electing incompetent leaders who rely on party structures rather than personal capability.
- Accountability Starts with Individuals
Holding leaders accountable is easier when voters focus on the individual rather than the party. A candidate with a strong personal record is more likely to feel responsible to the electorate, while party-backed candidates often hide behind party politics to evade accountability.
- Promoting Development Over Politics
Merit-based voting encourages candidates to present concrete plans and demonstrate competence. This pushes the political conversation towards development-focused policies rather than empty party slogans and tribal or religious sentiments.
- Reducing Corruption and Nepotism
Many political parties operate as patronage systems, rewarding loyalty over performance. Prioritizing merit helps break these networks, promoting leaders who will fight corruption rather than participate in it.
- Empowering Citizens and Deepening Democracy
When voters make informed choices based on merit, it strengthens democracy. Politicians will have to work harder to earn votes, knowing that performance and integrity are what count, not just party affiliation or political godfathers.
- Ending the “Lesser Evil” Mentality
The idea that voters must choose between two flawed party candidates is damaging. Prioritizing individual merit opens the door for independent candidates and smaller parties, breaking the monopoly of major political parties and creating more diverse options.
Conclusion:
Nigeria’s democracy will only improve when voters stop pledging blind loyalty to parties and start demanding competent, accountable leaders. It’s time to rethink political loyalty and place merit, integrity, and performance at the center of electoral decisions.
Dr Braimoh Denzel Aruna-PfD, FCA, FCTI, FCPE, FCE, FICA, HND
