Nigeria's Democracy in the Fourth Republic

Democracy is gradually triumphing in Nigeria, following the country’s return to democratic governance in 1999 after 16 years of military rule. This feat, which can be attributed to the resilience of Nigerians and support from the international community, has not been free from fluctuations. On average, however, the country appears not to be doing badly on the democratic front.

This book examines the current practice of democracy in Nigeria. Having survived for over two decades without interruption and having held several civilian-to-civilian transition elections, democratic practice in the country has moved beyond the realm of nascence, as it has previously been described. Examining institutions of government such as the legislature, the executive and the judiciary, and semi-governmental institutions such as political parties and the entire governance process, the book will make a significant contribution to conversations about democratic practice in Nigeria, as well as providing comparative insight to other democracies.

Olawari D. J. Egbe is a scholar of international relations at the Department of Political Science, Niger Delta University (NDU), Nigeria. His research focuses on the environment in international relations and geopolitics. He has featured as an associate editor of the Wilberforce Journal of the Social Sciences, and the NDU-Journal of Political Science and Administrative Research. His most recent publications include Nigeria’s 2019 Democratic Experience (2022) and several journal articles. His professional affiliations include the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA); Nigeria Political Science Association (NPSA); and the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP).

Abdulrasheed A. Muhammad teaches political science at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. He holds a PhD from Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria. He is the treasurer of Nigeria’s National Association of Political Science (NPSA), and his articles on legislative studies, political parties, democracy and state governance have appeared in national and international journals. He has co-edited several books, including State, Governance and Insecurity in Nigeria: Issues, Perspectives and Challenges (2020); The Dynamics of the Restructuring Debate in Nigeria (2017); Understanding Basic Issues in Research (2017); The Donald Trump Presidency and Nigeria-US Relations (2017).

"This edited collection brings together an eclectic array of scholars, covering the length and breadth of Nigeria. The timing of the book is auspicious and the contributors raise fundamental questions about the texture and trajectory of Nigeria's democracy. The themes are carefully curated and deepen understanding of Nigeria's democracy."

Temitope Oriola, PhD, Professor of Criminology/Sociology and Associate Dean (Undergraduate Studies) at the University of Alberta, Canada, Joint Editor-in-Chief of African Security, and President-elect of the Canadian Sociological Association (CSA)

"The book offers a detailed critical analysis of the unfinished story of Africa's largest democracy that indicates, simply, a seasonal change in political leadership after general elections. This trend has continued since 1999, making it an achievement, especially by those who couldn’t care less about the quality of democracy. This volume makes a significant contribution to the body of knowledge."

Professor Fidelis Allen Head of the Department of Political and Administrative Studies, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria and Associate at the London Pan-African Institute of Thought

"The challenge faced by Nigeria is the desire for Nigerians to live in an environment of democracy, prosperity and peace—an overwhelming desire that has eluded the country and its people. The book, edited by Olawari D. J. Egbe of the Niger Delta University and Abdulrasheed A. Muhammad of the University of Ilorin, addresses these aspirations and why they have failed to come to fruition in the county in a thought-provoking way. Nigerians will turn to this book again and again as the desire for, and conversations and debates on, a vibrant democracy continues."

Celestine O. Bassey Professor at the Department of Political Science, University of Calabar, Nigeria

"Here is a critical and careful balance of some old and new voices in a search for democratic consolidation through electioneering and governance in Nigeria. To the common reader, it will serve as a good companion in understanding and contextualising Nigeria's elections and democratisation process. I wish to commend the contributors of the various chapters, and most importantly the editors for embarking on this very noble and compelling assignment and recommend the book to scholars, students and researchers of politics and society."

Philips O. Okolo, PhD Associate Professor of the Department of Political Science and Director of the Institute of Peace and Security Studies, Niger Delta University, Nigeria

Mohamad Zaini Abubakar

Julius Achanya

Taiwo Adesanya

Angela Ajodo-Adebanjoko

Isaac Iorhen Akuna

Saa-Aondo Moses Andza

Olumide Awofeso

Nandes Dickson Cinjel

Ladan Doma

Efefiong Edet

Olawari D. J. Egbe

Ishaku Hamidu