Nigeria’s democracy finds itself precariously balanced at a crossroads, facing a potential erosion of its fundamental principles. This predicament, stemming from a gradual decline in governance and the erosion of citizens’ freedom to choose their leaders, is not attributable to a single individual or administration but represents a culmination of years of waning vigilance and insufficient corrective measures. The increasing difficulty in removing those in power through democratic means points towards a concerning trend of state capture, where vested interests exert undue influence over the political landscape. This situation necessitates urgent action on multiple fronts, including strengthening political parties, reforming the judiciary, and fostering greater collaboration among opposition forces.
The decline in democratic practices is evident in the nostalgic comparisons often made between the developmental achievements of the First Republic and subsequent periods. The erosion of the people’s ability to freely choose their leaders has paved the way for what many perceive as state capture, the most detrimental consequence of which is the increasing difficulty in removing unpopular governments through democratic processes. Addressing this challenge requires a multi-pronged approach, focusing on reinforcing the institutional capacity of political parties, fostering normative acceptance of party rules and national laws, enforcing consequences for non-compliance, and implementing judicial reforms to curb recklessness.
Strong political parties, particularly those in opposition, are indispensable for a thriving democracy. However, the current model of party funding, where governors and a select few wealthy individuals hold sway, undermines democratic principles. This “he who pays the piper dictates the tune” dynamic subverts the ideal of party supremacy and necessitates a shift towards a more democratized funding model. Party members must be empowered to invest in and co-own their parties, ensuring that financial contributions do not translate into undue influence. This democratization of funding can also incentivize party leaders to adhere to party rules and regulations.
Furthermore, normative acceptance of party rules and national laws is crucial. Laws that are routinely disregarded lose their effectiveness in shaping behavior. Party members, especially those in leadership positions, must demonstrate a commitment to party supremacy and respect the established rules of the game. Consequences for non-compliance must be enforced to ensure accountability. Elected officials who defect from their parties should be required to vacate their seats, a principle that should not be open to debate. More broadly, electoral malpractice must be met with punishment, not reward, to foster political integrity.
Coalition-building and even mergers are essential strategies for opposition parties seeking to challenge incumbent governments. History, both within Nigeria and internationally, demonstrates the difficulty of dislodging a ruling party, even one facing widespread unpopularity. By consolidating their forces, opposition parties can enhance their capacity to effectively challenge those in power. This collaborative approach can amplify their voices, broaden their support base, and present a more formidable challenge to the status quo.
Finally, judicial reform is paramount to addressing the growing threat to Nigerian democracy posed by judicial recklessness. In recent decades, the Nigerian judiciary has transitioned from a beacon of democratic sustenance to a potential impediment, often manipulating technicalities to undermine the will of the voters. The judiciary’s role in electoral disputes should be to uphold the choices made by the electorate, not to subvert them through legal maneuvering. Reclaiming the judiciary’s role as a protector of democracy requires addressing this recklessness and ensuring that judicial decisions prioritize the integrity of the electoral process. These comprehensive reforms, encompassing party strengthening, enforcing compliance, fostering collaboration, and reforming the judiciary, are crucial to navigating the current crossroads and safeguarding the future of Nigerian democracy.
The aforementioned concerns surrounding the state of Nigerian democracy highlight the urgent need for a collective effort to revitalize democratic principles and practices. The decline in governance and the increasing difficulty in removing unpopular governments necessitate a robust response focused on empowering political parties, fostering adherence to rules and regulations, encouraging collaboration among opposition forces, and reforming the judiciary. By addressing these critical areas, Nigeria can move away from the precipice of democratic erosion and chart a course towards a more vibrant and resilient democratic future. The task ahead requires commitment, vigilance, and a shared dedication to upholding the fundamental principles of democratic governance.
