Problems Of Democracy In Nigeria And Solutions

Problems Of Democracy In Nigeria And Solutions. Need Information On The Problems And Solutions Of Democracy In Nigeria? Check This Post.

Are you in search of substantial information on the problems of democracy in Nigeria? Then you have definitely come to the right platform for such information. I have put together useful and valid information for you on the problems of democracy in Nigeria. However, it is quite important that we look at what democracy really is and how democracy started in Nigeria to be able to properly understand its problems and proffer possible solutions. Let’s get started.

What is democracy?

Democracy is simply a system of government whereby the citizens of a particular state, country or nation exercises the power to rule themselves or appoint representatives through the use of periodic free and fair elections.

What are the characteristics of democracy?

There are so many characteristics of democracy but I am going to highlight a few that must be in observance for a system to be called a democratic system. Here are some of the features of democracy:

Observance of the rule of law
Sovereignty of the constitution
Periodic elections
Observance of the human rights

When did Nigeria adopt democracy?

Nigeria adopted a system of democracy in 1999 which has marked the end of multiple years of military rule. May 29 was the former official date that was used to mark democracy in Nigeria but it has recently been changed to June 12.

What are the problems of democracy in Nigeria?

There are many problems that Nigeria has experienced in Democracy right from when Nigeria adopted the system of democracy. I have put together a few of these problems that has been facing Nigeria. Some of these problems are:

Illiteracy
God fatherism
Poverty
Electoral violence

1. ILLITERACY

One of the biggest problems of democracy in Nigeria is illiteracy. This is by far the reason why Nigeria has not really moved forward. A lot of Nigerians are illiterates when it comes to political affairs and they don’t even know what a particular system really means and how it will have effect on them.

A lot of Nigerians sell their votes in exchange of food and money during electoral periods because they are not even aware of what democracy is and how it will have effect on them and the society at large if it fails.

2. GOD FATHERISM

Another problem of democracy in Nigeria that you should know is God fatherism. This is a very serious concept when largely looking at politics in Nigeria at large. A God father in this political concept is simply a person who is a member or not a member of a political party and this particular person uses his resources mainly financial resources to support his favorite person’s political interest. This God father pushes the person with the aid of his finance and definitely gets a lot of people to his side with the money. If we look at the political system in Nigeria today, it is being facilitated with a lot of God fatherism which is very bad as it does not give room for fair democracy to take place.

3. POVERTY

Another problem of democracy in Nigeria that you should know is poverty. Poverty has really been a very big issue in Nigeria as far as democracy is concerned. We know definitely that in Nigeria we have a lot of poor people, in fact, majority of Nigerians are extremely poor and they can only find a way of catering for their needs with the little amount given to them by some of the corrupt politicians in Nigeria.

For instance, during electoral periods, a poor widow who finds it difficult to feed her children is more likely to sell her votes for little amounts of money or in exchange of food because at that point, the election means nothing to her. Democracy is more likely to fail if we have a lot of poor people in the country.

4. ELECTORAL VIOLENCE

Another problem of democracy in Nigeria that you should know is Electoral violence. This is one of the biggest problems that have rocked Nigeria since it embraced democracy as a system of government. Electoral violence includes a number of malpractices that disrupts the election and in most cases even leads to death.

Electoral violence in other words, includes all manner of threat and harm made to an individual or a property to break down the normal electoral process. Electoral violence thus prevents the normal free and fair elections to take place.

What are the possible solutions to the problem of democracy in Nigeria?

Following the highlighted problems of democracy that has been listed above, I have put together a number of possible solutions. Some of the possible solutions to the problems of democracy in Nigeria include:

Creation of platforms to properly educate people
Creation of strong electoral security
Provision of a kind of way to deal with corrupt politicians
Increasing the standard of living of poor Nigerians

1. CREATION OF PLATFORMS TO PROPERLY EDUCATE PEOPLE

One of the possible solutions of the problem of democracy in Nigeria is the creation of platforms to properly educate people. Since one of the reasons why democracy isn’t really thriving in Nigeria is illiteracy, the government should create a kind of platform for awareness for why one should not sell one’s votes.

2. CREATION OF STRONG ELECTORAL SECURITY

One of the possible solutions of the problem of democracy in Nigeria is the creation strong electoral security. A lot of people are actually scared to come out during electoral periods because of the electoral violence that happens all the time. The government can help us in trying to provide for proper security of people, their properties and their votes.

3. PROVISION OF A KIND OF WAY TO DEAL WITH CORRUPT POLITICIANS

One of the possible solutions of the problem of democracy in Nigeria is the provision of a kind of way to deal with corrupt politicians. Even if the people are properly educated on why they should not sell their votes and proper security is put in place, if corrupt politicians are not dealt with, the system would still not move forward.

4. INCREASING THE STANDARD OF LIVING OF POOR NIGERIANS

One of the possible solutions of the problem of democracy in Nigeria is increasing the standard of living of poor Nigerians. If the government can help increase the standard of living of Nigerians, then there won’t a cause why people should sell their votes for money or food.

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