Experiences and Crises of Democracy in Southwestern Nigeria 1999-2021
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Date
2022-12
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Lead City University
Abstract
The process of democratization in Nigeria has evolved negatively thereby threatening the foundation of political stability, strengthening sectional political domination and deepening the root of political gerontocracy. However, adequate attention has not been given to examine the causes of violence rocking democratic practice in Southwestern Nigeria, hence this study analysed democratic crisis experience in Southwestern Nigeria from 1999-2021. The study used descriptive research design. The population was 372. The study used multistage sampling technique. Structured questionnaires and interviews were utilized for data collection of the study. Data generated were analysed using descriptive statistics such as percentage, frequency, mean value standard deviation as well as spearman’s correlation coefficient and content analysis. Findings revealed that the causes of democratic crisis experienced in Southwestern Nigeria are the historical development of the country (68.8%) and the political ideologies of players directly involved in the game of politics (60%). The result showed that democratic crisis experience has affected good governance on inability to engender promotion of welfare and development of the people (64.5%) and human and natural wealth of Nigeria (60.1%). Furthermore, the results revealed there was a significant relationship between democratic ethos and the political class (r = 0.224, p < 0.05). The study also showed corruption among the political class (65.2%) and lack of political will to drive democratic process (54.3%) as the notable challenges militating against democratic practice in the study area. The study concluded that there was an established nexus between democratic practice and good governance in Southwestern Nigeria and recommend that political offices should be less lucrative to curtail further crisis. The study also suggests for future research the role of political actors on good governance.
Keywords: Democracy, Crisis and Good Governance
Word Count: 276