AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE ROLE OF DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA'S NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (1999–2023)

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background to the Study The link between democracy and national development is widely acknowledged across academic and policy discussions. This is largely because democracy plays a pivotal and essential role in promoting good governance and fostering national development. Democratic governments primarily aim to improve the economic and social welfare of their citizens, a core aspect of national development. One of the distinguishing features of democratic governance is this people-centered approach. According to Amucheazi (2018), any conception of national development should prioritize the individual and the quality of life he or she experiences. Similarly, Egena (2017) asserts that democracy has historically been perceived and promoted globally as a critical driver of national development. In alignment with this belief, the democratic aspirations of African nations are inherently linked to their desire for socioeconomic growth. Over the past two decades, the majority of African states have transitioned toward democratic governance in pursuit of this objective (Dike, 2021). Consequently, it is expected that democratization would positively correlate with economic development on the continent. However, in practice, most African countries remain plagued by underdevelopment and extreme poverty despite adopting democratic systems (Ake, 2021; Nwuke, 2017). In fact, many of the nations classified by the United Nations (UN) as the least developed are located in democratic African countries (UN Human Development Index, 2019). Niccolò Machiavelli, in his seminal work The Prince, articulated a vision of democracy that has sparked enduring scholarly debate. Rather than associating political activity with morality, Machiavelli framed politics as a strategic game involving manipulation, deceit, and power struggles. This Machiavellian approach has led many scholars to argue that such an interpretation distorts the true essence of politics and democracy. From the perspective of this study, Nigeria’s developmental prospects depend on embracing the traditional ideals of democracy. Thus, this research is grounded in a critical examination of Nigeria’s democratic experience through this normative lens. Reflecting on Nigeria’s post-1999 democratic journey, an important question arises: has democracy, as a political system, delivered on its promises? In theory, democracy is expected to empower the populace, promote the common good, and enhance social harmony. In contrast, the Nigerian experience has been marred by persistent economic and social challenges, including heightened insecurity. These issues have hindered progress and undermined the potential of democracy to drive national development. As such, this study seeks to explore the relationship between democracy and national development in Nigeria from 1999 to 2023. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Nigeria has operated under democratic rule for over two decades. The nationwide quest for democracy was driven by the belief that it would serve as a pathway to national development. Despite the country’s complex ethno-religious dynamics, democracy was adopted with the hope of steering Nigeria toward meaningful progress. While it may be overly simplistic to claim that this goal has failed entirely, it is fair to state that progress has been slow and inconsistent (Imhonopi & Ugochukwu, 2016). Elections are typically intended to facilitate the emergence of governments that can formulate and implement better policies to foster nation-building. However, successive Nigerian administrations have largely underperformed in this regard. The country’s post-independence trajectory has been shaped by systemic economic exploitation, poor governance, and underdevelopment—factors that have continued to fuel conflict and instability. Nigeria, once viewed as a beacon of potential leadership for Africa, now struggles with poverty, corruption, decaying infrastructure, and governance failures (Imhonopi & Ugochukwu, 2016). Rather than exemplifying visionary leadership and institutional innovation, Nigeria has become notorious for mediocrity, corruption, violence, and ethical lapses. This reality supports the argument by Okeke (2017), who maintains that democracy in Nigeria is at a crossroads, while national development remains largely theoretical—limited to the imaginations of policymakers. Gilbert and Ubani (2015) identify electoral malpractice and corruption as two of the most significant obstacles to both democratic consolidation and national development in Nigeria. One major reason development programs have failed in the Fourth Republic is the absence of fundamental democratic principles—such as adherence to the rule of law, transparency, accountability, public participation, and responsiveness to marginalized populations. Numerous studies have explored the connection between democracy and national development in Nigeria (Ibobor, 2020; Joseph & Gilies, 2020; Ogundiya, 2020; Akwen & Gever, 2022; Lawal & Olukayode, 2022; Gilbert & Ubani, 2015; Ijere, 2015; Okeke, 2017). These studies contribute to a vast body of literature that attempts to empirically assess how democracy influences development in the Nigerian context. In light of these insights, this research seeks to critically evaluate democracy and national development in Nigeria from 1999 to 2023. 1.3 Objectives of the Study This study aims to: i. Examine democracy and the threats to its sustainability in Nigeria. ii. Explore the role of political parties in the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria. iii. Investigate national development in Nigeria and the major challenges confronting it. 1.4 Research Questions i. What are the key threats to democracy and its sustainability in Nigeria? ii. What roles do political parties play in consolidating democracy in Nigeria? iii. What are the major challenges hindering national development in Nigeria? 1.5 Significance of the Study Civilian or democratic governance is often considered more effective than military regimes in ensuring social welfare and national security. This explains why nations globally strive to institutionalize democratic systems. Since Nigeria attained political independence, various efforts have been made to establish and sustain civilian governance. Nevertheless, these efforts have frequently been disrupted by military interventions, resulting in prolonged authoritarian rule. The military has dominated Nigeria’s political landscape for approximately 29 of the country’s 49 years of self-rule, leading to widespread human rights abuses and governance failures. This study is valuable in highlighting the areas where democratic governance is perceived to be underperforming, offering insights that can help the government redirect policies and resources to meet the needs of the populace more effectively. Moreover, the study contributes to the public understanding of the relationship between democracy and national development. It also evaluates the policies and achievements of the democratic government led by President Muhammadu Buhari. For students, the research provides a clearer understanding of what democracy represents for Nigerian citizens and helps shape realistic expectations from democratic governance. 1.6 Scope of the Study This research focuses on democracy and the threats to its sustainability in Nigeria. It also examines the challenges political parties face in consolidating democracy and evaluates the key issues affecting national development. The temporal scope of the study spans from 1999 to 2023. 1.7 Research Methodology The research methodology outlines the various approaches used in conducting the study, along with the instruments for data collection. The study adopts a historical research approach combined with a descriptive method of data analysis. Data will be sourced from secondary materials such as academic books, journal articles, online resources, magazines, national and international conference papers, and both published and unpublished documents. 1.8 Organization of the Study The structure of the research is organized into five chapters. Chapter One introduces the study, presents the problem statement, defines the objectives, outlines the research questions, and discusses the significance and scope of the research. Chapter Two explores democracy and the threats to its sustainability in Nigeria. Chapter Three examines the factors limiting political parties in their role in consolidating democracy. Chapter Four investigates Nigeria's national development and the associated challenges. Finally, Chapter Five summarizes the findings, presents recommendations, and concludes the study.