AN ANALYSIS OF THE INFLUENCE OF COLONIAL LEGACY ON CONTEMPORARY POLITICAL STRUCTURES

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study Colonialism is defined as the complete and direct subjugation of one country by another, where authority and governance are held by a foreign power. A pertinent example is the full political control of Nigeria by Britain from 1900 to 1960. The principal objective of colonialism was the establishment of political dominance (Ahmed & Stasavage, 2020), while a secondary goal was the economic exploitation of the colonized territories. In Africa, colonialism was a major historical episode spanning the 19th to the mid-20th centuries and is closely associated with the broader phenomenon of imperialism. In essence, colonialism functions as a tangible expression of imperialist ideology. This relationship is often encapsulated by the maxim: “All colonialism is imperialism, but not all imperialism is colonialism.” The roots of colonial expansion lie in fundamental transformations within Europe's economic systems, particularly following the Industrial Revolution. This industrial shift ushered in a new production model, effectively replacing the former economic dependency on slavery (Bangura & Joseph, 2017). As a defining milestone in human progress, the Industrial Revolution introduced advanced machinery, whose operation required lubrication and maintenance. With the slave trade having largely fulfilled its role in generating initial capital, European powers turned to new forms of investment and sought raw materials abroad, catalyzing the colonization of Africa (Bolt & Leigh, 2020). A range of compelling factors prompted European nations to pursue colonial ventures, chief among them the socio-economic changes triggered by industrialization. The surge in industrial output quickly outpaced the development of agricultural sectors, leading to a raw material shortage. European countries, including Britain, were compelled to seek new sources of raw materials beyond their borders (Butcher, Charles, Ryan & Griffiths, 2020). This supply challenge extended to food shortages due to diminishing agricultural productivity, creating pressure to secure external food sources for growing urban populations (Eldredge & Elizabeth, 2015). Moreover, colonial territories like Africa provided not only the necessary raw materials but also new markets for the surplus industrial goods produced in Europe. The technological advancements of the time led to overproduction, creating a glut that demanded alternative markets. The large population in African regions offered a viable consumer base (Eldredge & Elizabeth, 2018). Additionally, the relatively low cost of labor allowed industrialists to generate surplus capital at a rate exceeding domestic reinvestment capabilities. Consequently, surplus capital drove imperial expansion as European nations sought new avenues for profitable investments. Colonial rule has left a lasting imprint on Nigeria's present-day political architecture. From the late 19th century until independence in 1960, Nigeria was governed under British colonial rule (Eldredge & Elizabeth, 2015). During the colonial period, European powers arbitrarily drew territorial boundaries, ignoring the ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversities of indigenous communities. Today, Nigeria remains a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation, comprising a diverse array of groups with distinct historical and cultural backgrounds, thereby complicating efforts in nation-building and governance. The British colonial government introduced a centralized administrative system that was divided into regions and governed indirectly through traditional rulers. This legacy gave rise to Nigeria’s federal structure, comprising a central government and sub-national entities (states), which has evolved over time in terms of number and demarcation (Karekwaivanane & George, 2017). Additionally, many modern political institutions and administrative practices—such as the parliamentary system, civil service bureaucracy, and electoral procedures—have their origins in colonial governance. These inherited structures continue to shape Nigeria’s political dynamics. Against this backdrop, this study seeks to critically examine the impact of colonialism on contemporary political systems. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Colonialism has deeply influenced the development and functioning of Nigeria’s current political system. One major consequence of this legacy is the artificial creation of national borders by colonial authorities—particularly Britain—without consideration for ethnic, cultural, or linguistic realities. These arbitrary divisions have contributed significantly to the ongoing ethnic tensions and intergroup conflicts observed today (Kelly & Jill, 2015). Furthermore, the imposition of Western legal and political institutions often conflicted with pre-existing indigenous governance systems, resulting in administrative challenges and persistent tensions between traditional and modern authorities. Economically, colonial strategies were primarily extractive in nature, designed to serve the economic interests of the colonial powers. These exploitative policies laid the groundwork for present-day issues such as economic inequality, corruption, and disputes over resource control. Autocratic colonial governance also established a political culture marked by authoritarianism, the effects of which continue to manifest in Nigeria’s history of military coups and political instability (Parcells, 2018). Moreover, the colonial economic and political frameworks fostered Nigeria's dependency on foreign powers and multinational corporations. This dependency has curtailed Nigeria’s capacity to exercise full sovereignty over its natural resources and limits its ability to pursue independent developmental pathways (Parcells, 2018). Addressing these entrenched challenges requires comprehensive reforms in governance, economic planning, and inclusive nation-building strategies. Promoting national unity, good governance, and inclusive policy-making is essential to mitigating the lasting consequences of Nigeria’s colonial past. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the influence of colonial legacy on contemporary political structures. 1.3       Objective of the study The broad objective of the study is to assess the Influence of Colonial Legacy on Contemporary Political Structures. The specific objectives is as follows i.  Assess the the factors responsible for the Europeans to come colonize Africa (Nigeria). ii.   Examine the various political systems that were in place before the colonization of  Africa (Nigeria). iii.  Find out the impact of Colonialism on Modern Political Systems in Africa (Nigeria). 1.4       Research Questions The following questions have been prepared for the study i.   What are the factors responsible for the Europeans to come colonize Africa (Nigeria)? ii.   What are the various political systems that were in place before the colonization of  Africa (Nigeria)? iii. What is the impact of Colonialism on Modern Political Systems in Africa (Nigeria). 1.5       Significance of the study The findings of the study will be significant to political parties, citizens of Nigeria and academia in the following ways Historical Understanding: Studying colonialism helps scholars and researchers understand the historical roots of contemporary political systems. It provides insights into the formation and evolution of modern nation-states, governance structures, and political ideologies. Power Dynamics: Colonialism often involved the imposition of power structures, exploitation, and hierarchical systems. By studying these dynamics, academics can analyze how power relations established during colonial periods continue to influence present-day politics, including issues related to governance, inequality, and human rights. Institutional Legacy: Many modern political institutions, legal frameworks, and administrative systems have their roots in colonial structures. Examining this legacy is crucial for understanding how institutions function today, as well as the challenges and opportunities they present. Cultural and Social Impact: Colonialism significantly impacted cultural and social identities. Researching this aspect helps in understanding how colonial policies shaped identities, created social divisions, and influenced cultural norms. This knowledge is essential for addressing contemporary issues related to identity politics and cultural diversity. 1.6       Scope of the study The study focuses on  the Influence of Colonial Legacy on Contemporary Political Structures. Hence, the study will assess the the factors responsible for the Europeans to come colonize Africa (Nigeria), examine the various political systems that were in place before the colonization of  Africa (Nigeria) and find out the impact of Colonialism on Modern Political Systems in Africa (Nigeria). 1.7       Research Methodology Research methodology deals with the different ways or methods the researcher applied in order to carry out the research as well as the instrument used for gathering the data. There are several research methodologies appropriate for answering the research questions. The type of research methodology used in this research to gather data and relevant information is the historical research and the study will adopt descriptive method of data collection. This will involve the collection of materials from secondary sources, such as books, journal articles, magazines, internet sources, international and national conference proceedings, published and unpublished articles. 1.8       Definition of terms Colonialism: the policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically. Political system: the set of formal legal institutions that constitute a government or a state