Characteristics Of Democracy In Nigeria

Nigeria is often overlooked, and many people see it as just another African country with an unstable government. When in reality, Nigeria has a democracy, but its journey has been a story of one step forward and two steps back. For many reasons ranging from its history to its political culture, Nigeria’s democracy is unstable and flawed. In order to understand Nigeria’s democracy, one must first know the defining characteristics of democracy. Philippe C. Schmitter and Terry Lynn Karl define democracy as “a system of governance in which rulers are held accountable for their actions in the public realm by citizens, acting indirectly through the competition and cooperation of their elected representatives.” They also emphasize the importance …show more content…
Nigeria’s present democracy can not be explained without looking at its former military rule. In Nigeria: Democracy on Trial, Cyril I. Obi reports, “all attempts at democratic transition in Nigeria since its independence in 1960 , have been determined and implemented by the ruling faction of the military.” This has created a new type of politician in Nigeria, who tend to be inexperienced in political departments other than the military (Obi). Nigeria has such a long past of military rule, it will take a long time to change. Until the deep roots of military regimes are forgotten, Nigeria will not have a strong democracy. They will continue to hold the militaristic ideals of complete control of power and resources. However, there are signs of advancement through social forces. Some of these achievements are “the registration of more political parties, more respect for human rights, and the formation of a broad-based opposition alliance” …show more content…
When discussing the importance of cross-cutting cleavages, Michael G. Roskin writes, “they are divided of course, but they are divided along several axes, not just one. When these divisions, or cleavages, cut across one another, they actually stabilize political life.” Surprisingly, religion is one of Nigeria’s cross-cutting cleavages (Roskin 442). Even though religion is tightly knit with tribe, not all members of each tribe share the same religion, for example, “not all Nigerian Muslims are Hausa-Fulani of the north; some are Yoruba in the southwest, and others are Ijaw in the Delta” (Roskin 442). Education and occupation are also cross-cutting cleavages. Despite the few cross-cutting cleavages Nigeria has, it is not enough. The lack of them holds Nigeria back in its quest for