Nigeria's 2019 Democratic Experience

Nigeria's democratization efforts have been turbulent, with persistent electoral violence and military coups. The 2019 Democratic Experience examines and explains what went wrong in Nigeria's experiment with democracy, highlighting the country's large population, economic significance, and diverse ethnic nationalities.

Format: Hardback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 06 June 2022
Publisher: De Gruyter

Nigerias journey towards democracy since gaining political independence from Britain has been a turbulent and enduring saga, spanning over three successive republics. A persistent bug has plagued Nigerias democracy, repeatedly leading to military coups, and it is none other than the brazen electoral violence perpetrated by the nations political elite that has been a thorn in the countrys democratic progress.

Nigeria, the most populous nation in Africa and the seventh most populous in the world, holds significant importance on the global stage. With a population of over 200 million, it contributes a remarkable 70% to the population of West Africa and has remained the largest economy in the region by GDP since 2014. The country boasts a diverse array of ethnic nationalities and languages, totaling 36 states (or federating units) and an independent federal capital territory.

Despite being recognized as Africas largest democracy, Nigerias democratization process has been a challenging one, marked by significant electoral violence and political intolerance. Since the 1960s, the country has experienced repeated military interventions, including in 1966, 1983, and 1985, driven by the need to address political crises and restore stability.

The motivation behind this volume is to document and preserve the conduct of the 2019 General Elections in Nigeria, which took place amidst these ongoing challenges. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and policymakers interested in understanding the dynamics of Nigerian politics and the complexities of its democratic journey.

The 2019 General Elections in Nigeria were a pivotal moment in the countrys political history. They marked a significant step towards consolidating democracy and promoting the rule of law. The elections were conducted in a peaceful and transparent manner, with millions of Nigerians exercising their right to vote. The results were announced promptly, and the newly elected president, Muhammadu Buhari, took office on May 29, 2019.

However, the journey towards a fully democratic Nigeria is far from over. The country continues to face numerous challenges, including political instability, economic inequality, and security threats. The 2019 elections highlighted the need for further reforms and improvements in the electoral process, as well as the need to address the underlying issues that contribute to electoral violence and political intolerance.

One of the key challenges facing Nigeria is the issue of political polarization. The country has been divided along ethnic and religious lines, with tensions often boiling over into violence. This polarization has hindered the countrys ability to develop a unified and inclusive political landscape and has contributed to the recurrence of military coups.

To address this challenge, there is a need for greater political education and awareness among Nigerians. The government, civil society organizations, and the media should work together to promote dialogue and understanding among different groups and promote a culture of tolerance and respect.

Another challenge facing Nigeria is the issue of economic development. The country has been plagued by poverty, unemployment, and inequality, which have contributed to social unrest and political instability. The government should prioritize economic growth and development, particularly in the areas of agriculture, infrastructure, and job creation.

In addition to these challenges, Nigeria also faces security threats from various groups, including Boko Haram, ISIS-West Africa, and the Nigerian Civil War. The government should strengthen its security forces and work towards promoting peace and stability in the country.

To conclude, Nigerias democratization efforts since attaining political independence from Britain have been tumultuous and have spanned over three successive republics. A persistent bug decimating Nigerias democracy and repeatedly leading to military coups has been brazen electoral violence perpetrated by the nations political elite.

However, the 2019 General Elections in Nigeria were a significant step towards consolidating democracy and promoting the rule of law. The country continues to face numerous challenges, but with continued efforts and commitment, Nigeria can achieve a fully democratic society that is prosperous, inclusive, and secure.

Weight: 499g
Dimension: 230 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783110766431