THE FORMATION AND CONSOLIDATION OF NIGERIA’S FOURTH REPUBLIC

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study Democracy has been conceptualized through a variety of theoretical lenses, reflecting its diverse interpretations and applications across contexts. Etymologically, the term “democracy” derives from the Greek words demos (the people) and kratein (to rule), which together denote "rule by the people." Thus, democracy refers to a political system in which governance is exercised directly or indirectly by the citizenry through institutions of their choosing. In modern democratic systems, ultimate authority typically resides with representatives elected through universal suffrage. These representatives are subject to accountability mechanisms, including referenda and recall procedures, and are—at least theoretically—responsible to the electorate. In many democratic nations, such as Nigeria and the United States, both the executive and legislative branches are filled through direct elections. In contrast, constitutional monarchies like the United Kingdom and Norway elect only members of the legislature, from whom executive leadership (the prime minister and cabinet) is selected. There is often confusion between democratic institutions and the broader concept of democracy itself. Bola Ige warned against such provincial tendencies, emphasizing that scholars should not assume that the American model—with its written constitution, separation of powers, checks and balances, judicial review, federalism, and private enterprise—is the only standard for democratic practice. In democratic contexts, elections are central to the legitimization of governance. Elections provide a mechanism for citizens to choose from among competing candidates and political parties, implying a multi-party system and robust political competition. This competition is foundational to electoral democracy, allowing for the peaceful transfer of power and reinforcing the principle of freedom of choice. Party systems and electoral systems are inherently linked; each influences and is influenced by the other. For democracy to consolidate effectively, political parties must uphold democratic norms and facilitate inclusive participation. A critical feature of democratic societies is the regular conduct of free, fair, and periodic elections, which enable citizens to choose those who will wield governmental authority. Democracy, therefore, entails a governance system in which political authority is obtained and sustained through competitive elections open to the majority of adult citizens. A regime lacking electoral mechanisms—or characterized by manipulated elections that undermine majority will—cannot be deemed truly democratic. At its core, democracy is inseparable from the principle of popular sovereignty. It denotes a governance structure in which power ultimately resides with the people. In organizational terms, democracy implies decision-making power exercised by members themselves. It promotes majority rule, adherence to constitutionalism, and the protection of fundamental human rights such as freedom of expression, right to life, dignity, liberty, fair hearing, religion, press freedom, freedom of assembly and association, and the right to political participation. Democratic states are characterized by certain essential features, with a credible electoral system being paramount. Key components of such systems include statutory provisions for electoral bodies, delineation of constituencies, political party registration, voter registration, recruitment and training of electoral staff, procurement of materials, candidate screening, and vote accreditation, counting, and dispute resolution. The consolidation of democracy also requires an independent and impartial judiciary, an autonomous and competent electoral commission, and well-structured political parties that provide viable policy alternatives to the electorate. Moreover, democratic consolidation is dependent on a shared political culture that values peaceful power transitions and respects the "rules of the game." The efficacy of democratic institutions is closely tied to the quality of the citizenry, which is in turn shaped by access to education, information, and political socialization. Countries like Ghana have recognized this, allocating significant portions of their national budgets to education. According to the African Charter for Popular Participation in Development and Transformation, meaningful political reform cannot occur without the active participation of civil society. The Charter emphasizes that democratization of politics and development is a prerequisite for sustained progress and regards popular participation as both a means and an end. It defines participation as the fundamental right of people to influence decisions that affect their lives, advocating for synergy between the state and civil society to foster rule of law, fair competition, and inclusive governance. 1.2 Statement of the Problem The establishment of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic in 1999 represents a pivotal moment in the nation’s political history, marking the transition from decades of military rule to a civilian-led democratic government. This democratic rebirth was met with widespread optimism, with expectations of enhanced political stability, economic revitalization, and improved governance. However, over two decades into the Fourth Republic, Nigeria continues to contend with numerous systemic challenges. These include entrenched corruption, weak institutional frameworks, ethno-regional tensions, and persistent electoral malpractices. These issues raise critical concerns regarding the resilience and functionality of the democratic structures instituted at the onset of the Republic. Despite the formal transition to democratic governance, the Nigerian state has struggled to deliver equitable resource distribution, adequate public services, and national security. Furthermore, the roles played by various actors—such as the military, civil society, and political elites—during the transition period remain insufficiently examined. A deeper understanding of these roles is essential for contextualizing the continuing influence of historical legacies on contemporary governance practices. Studying the origin, structure, and challenges of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic is therefore essential for uncovering the foundational issues that continue to shape its democratic trajectory. An exploration of the socio-political and economic conditions that influenced its emergence will offer valuable insights into both its achievements and shortcomings. More importantly, it will provide lessons for reinforcing democratic governance in Nigeria and other nations undergoing similar transitions. 1.3 Objectives of the study The broad objective of the study is to investigate The Formation and Consolidation of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. The specific objectives is as follows i.To examine the historical background that led to the establishment of Nigeria's Fourth Republic ii.To investigate the socio-economic and political challenges faced during the early years of the Fourth Republic and their implications for governance. iii.To evaluate the influence of ethnic and regional dynamics on the political processes of the Fourth Republic. 1.4 Research questions The following questions have been prepared to guide the study i.What is the historical background that led to the establishment of Nigeria's Fourth Republic? ii.What are the socio-economic and political challenges faced during the early years of the Fourth Republic and their implications for governance? iii.What is the influence of ethnic and regional dynamics on the political processes of the Fourth Republic? 1.5 Scope of the study The study focus on The Formation and Consolidation of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. Empirically, the study will examine the historical background that led to the establishment of Nigeria's Fourth Republic, investigate the socio-economic and political challenges faced during the early years of the Fourth Republic and their implications for governance and evaluate the influence of ethnic and regional dynamics on the political processes of the Fourth Republic. 1.6 significance of the study Findings of the study will provide valuable recommendations for policymakers seeking to strengthen democratic institutions and processes in Nigeria as it will reveal the challenges and successes of the Fourth Republic. In addition, findings of this research will contribute to the broader understanding of how emerging democracies can address systemic issues such as corruption, weak institutions, and ethnic polarization. Findings of the study will also be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to existing literature, add to library resources and serve as a guide to future researchers. 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 Definitions of terms Fourth Republic: Refers to the democratic era in Nigeria that began in May 1999, following the end of military rule, characterized by the adoption of a civilian-led governance structure under the 1999 Constitution. Democracy: A system of government in which power is vested in the people, exercised either directly or through elected representatives, and characterized by free and fair elections, rule of law, and respect for human rights. Transition to Civilian Rule: The process through which Nigeria moved from military dictatorship to a civilian-led democratic government, marked by political reforms, constitutional development, and electoral processes. Military Rule: A form of governance in which the armed forces control the political and administrative affairs of a country, often characterized by the suspension of constitutional rights and authoritarian decision-making. Constitution: A set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state is governed. The 1999 Constitution serves as the supreme legal framework guiding Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. Ethnic Polarization: A state of societal division based on ethnic identities, often resulting in political rivalry, resource competition, and socio-political tension. Civil Society: Organizations and institutions independent of the government, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), advocacy groups, and the media, that play a role in promoting democracy and accountability.