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The Malady of Nigeria’s Democracy and Its Effect on Governance

Author

Listed:
  • Addo Benedict Okyere

    (Graduate student of Political Science, University of Education, Winneba)

  • Shittu Abass Opeyemi

    (Undergraduate student in the Department of Political Science, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State)

  • Hassan Nurudeen Alabi

    (Undergraduate student in the Department of Political Science, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State)

  • Mensah Isaac

    (Graduate student of Political Science, University of Education, Winneba)

  • Derrick Pinto

    (Graduate student of Political Science, University of Education, Winneba)

Abstract

Practically, democracy has been the tune that most states are dancing to because of its flexibility and accountability, which allows citizens to take part in the government’s decision-making. Though it was introduced by Greece and was vastly practiced by America, Nigeria has imitated it, but Nigeria’s democracy has deviated from the ideal democracy, because it lacks some variables (freedom of speech, independence of the judiciary, freedom of the press, equality of law, and equal political representation) that an ideal democracy has. As a result of this, this paper takes an intellectual tour to ditch out the schisms between Nigeria’s democracy and ideal democracy by using the historical approach and secondary relevant data to know the history of Nigeria’s democracy. Also, this paper uses the elite theory as its framework because it aligns with democracy, and it also stresses minority representation of the majority. This paper indicates that the deviation of Nigeria’s democracy thwarts her dream of economic, political, and social development by keeping her toddling in the sphere of underdevelopment. The paper recommends that, in order to achieve political, economic, and social development, Nigeria should adopt the ideal democracy.

Suggested Citation

  • Addo Benedict Okyere & Shittu Abass Opeyemi & Hassan Nurudeen Alabi & Mensah Isaac & Derrick Pinto, 2025. "The Malady of Nigeria’s Democracy and Its Effect on Governance," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(9), pages 4464-4473, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-9:p:4464-4473
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Walker, Jack L., 1966. "A Critique of the Elitist Theory of Democracy," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 60(2), pages 285-295, June.
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