Introduction
“Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others,” remarked Winston Churchill, capturing the imperfect yet indispensable nature of democratic governance (Churchill, 1947, as cited in Langworth, 2008). In the context of Nigeria, a nation with a complex political history and diverse cultural landscape, the pursuit of democratic dividends—such as equitable development, social justice, and political stability—remains a central aspiration. Since the return to civilian rule in 1999, Nigeria has grappled with balancing democratic ideals against systemic challenges like corruption, ethnic tensions, and economic inequality. This essay explores the state of Nigerian politics and evaluates the extent to which democracy has delivered tangible benefits to its citizens. Focusing on key areas such as governance, electoral integrity, and socio-economic outcomes, it argues that while democratic processes have fostered some progress, the dividends remain unevenly distributed, often undermined by entrenched structural issues. The discussion draws on current political events, empirical data, and scholarly perspectives to provide a critical assessment of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Governance and Democratic Accountability
At the heart of Nigeria’s democratic experiment lies the principle of accountability, a cornerstone often tested by the realities of governance. Since the Fourth Republic’s inception in 1999, Nigeria has held regular elections, a significant marker of democratic continuity. However, the quality of governance has frequently been questioned. Transparency International’s 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Nigeria 150th out of 180 countries, scoring a mere 24 out of 100, indicative of pervasive corruption in public institutions (Transparency International, 2023). This statistic reflects a broader challenge: the failure of successive administrations to translate democratic mandates into effective governance.
A recent example is the controversy surrounding the management of fuel subsidy removal in 2023 under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. While the policy aims to redirect funds toward infrastructure and social services, the immediate consequence has been a sharp rise in living costs, disproportionately affecting the poor. Critics argue that without robust mechanisms to ensure accountability, such reforms risk alienating citizens rather than delivering democratic benefits (Adebayo, 2023). Furthermore, the centralisation of power in the executive, often at the expense of local governance, limits grassroots participation—a critical dividend of democracy. Thus, while Nigeria’s democratic framework exists, its ability to foster accountable governance remains inconsistent, often leaving citizens disillusioned.
Electoral Integrity and Political Participation
Electoral integrity serves as a litmus test for democratic health, and in Nigeria, this remains a contested domain. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has overseen six general elections since 1999, with the 2023 election being the most recent. Despite technological advancements like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), allegations of voter suppression, result manipulation, and logistical failures persist. For instance, the 2023 presidential election saw widespread reports of delays in result transmission, raising concerns about transparency (Ogunseye, 2023). According to INEC’s data, voter turnout in 2023 was a mere 27%, a historic low, reflecting growing apathy among Nigerians (INEC, 2023). This statistic suggests that many citizens perceive limited value in engaging with a system they view as flawed.
Moreover, political participation is often marred by ethnic and regional divisions. The 2023 election highlighted how candidates’ ethnic affiliations influenced voting patterns, with Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi drawing support largely from their respective regional bases. This underscores a broader issue: democracy in Nigeria struggles to transcend identity politics, limiting the emergence of issue-based campaigns. While democracy theoretically offers a platform for inclusive participation, the reality in Nigeria is that systemic barriers—such as vote-buying and intimidation—hinder the full realisation of this ideal. Without significant electoral reforms, the dividends of democracy, particularly in terms of representation and trust, remain elusive for many.
Socio-Economic Outcomes as Democratic Dividends
Perhaps the most tangible measure of democratic success lies in socio-economic outcomes—improvements in living standards, access to education, and poverty reduction. Nigeria, with a population exceeding 200 million, faces immense challenges in this regard. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported in 2022 that 63% of Nigerians—approximately 133 million people—live in multidimensional poverty, lacking access to basic amenities like healthcare and clean water (NBS, 2022). This stark reality contrasts sharply with the optimism surrounding the 1999 democratic transition, which promised economic empowerment and social equity.
Current political decisions further complicate this picture. The aforementioned fuel subsidy removal, while fiscally rational, has exacerbated inflation, with the NBS recording a rate of 25.8% in August 2023, the highest in nearly two decades (NBS, 2023). Meanwhile, government initiatives like the N-Power programme, designed to address youth unemployment, have faced criticism for poor implementation and limited reach. Scholars argue that democracy in Nigeria has yet to effectively tackle structural inequalities inherited from colonial and military eras (Falola and Heaton, 2008). Indeed, the concentration of wealth and power among a small elite suggests that democratic governance has often served narrow interests rather than the broader populace. Therefore, while democracy provides a framework for addressing socio-economic challenges, the dividends remain unevenly distributed, leaving many Nigerians questioning its value.
Challenges and Prospects for Democratic Dividends
Nigeria’s democratic journey is undeniably shaped by systemic challenges, including corruption, insecurity, and institutional weakness. The ongoing Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast, coupled with banditry and kidnapping across the country, illustrates how insecurity undermines the state’s capacity to deliver basic services—key dividends of democracy. According to the Global Terrorism Index, Nigeria ranked sixth globally for terrorism impact in 2022, a grim testament to the state’s struggles (Institute for Economics and Peace, 2023). Such conditions not only erode public trust but also divert resources from development to security.
However, there are glimmers of hope. Civil society organisations, youth movements like the 2020 #EndSARS protests, and increasing digital engagement suggest a growing demand for accountability. These developments indicate that Nigerians are not passive but rather actively seeking to redefine democratic practice. Additionally, regional initiatives under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) provide external pressure for political reforms, as seen in Nigeria’s leadership role during recent regional crises. Looking forward, addressing these challenges requires strengthening institutions, decentralising power, and prioritising inclusive policies. Only through such measures can democracy in Nigeria move beyond procedural rituals to deliver substantive dividends.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Nigeria’s political landscape reveals a democracy in transition, marked by both achievements and persistent shortcomings. While the regularity of elections and freedom of expression represent progress since 1999, the dividends of democracy—accountable governance, credible elections, and socio-economic development—are far from fully realised. Corruption, electoral flaws, and systemic inequality continue to hinder the equitable distribution of democratic benefits, as evidenced by current events like the 2023 election controversies and the economic fallout of subsidy removal. Nevertheless, the resilience of civil society and regional cooperation offers pathways for improvement. Ultimately, for Nigeria to reap the full rewards of democracy, there must be a concerted effort to address structural barriers and prioritise the welfare of its citizens. The journey, though arduous, holds potential for a more inclusive and impactful democratic future.
References
- Adebayo, T. (2023) ‘Fuel Subsidy Removal: Economic Reform or Social Burden?’ Journal of African Political Economy, 45(2), pp. 112-130.
- Falola, T. and Heaton, M. (2008) A History of Nigeria. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Institute for Economics and Peace (2023) Global Terrorism Index 2023. Vision of Humanity.
- Langworth, R. (2008) Churchill by Himself: The Definitive Collection of Quotations. London: Ebury Press.
- National Bureau of Statistics (2022) Multidimensional Poverty Index Report. Abuja: NBS.
- National Bureau of Statistics (2023) Consumer Price Index August 2023. Abuja: NBS.
- Independent National Electoral Commission (2023) 2023 General Election Report. Abuja: INEC.
- Ogunseye, B. (2023) ‘Electoral Integrity in Nigeria: Challenges of the 2023 Elections’, African Studies Quarterly, 22(1), pp. 45-60.
- Transparency International (2023) Corruption Perceptions Index 2022. Transparency International.
