In a democratic country, those in power as well as those under their authority are held to the same high moral and ethical standards as the rest of the population. The defense of human rights, accountability of the leadership to the people it serves, adherence to the rule of law, maintenance of peace and security for lives and property, and defense of the territorial integrity of the nation are some of the components that make up democracy (Amaechi, 2019). There are other components as well. As a result of poor government, election manipulation, corruption, ethnicity, discrimination against women, and godfatherism, democracy appears to be in risk in the contemporary Nigerian society (Adekola & Oumide, 2019). Coercion and the violent application of force have both been used as instruments of the state in Nigeria, which has led to a mismanagement of the democratic ideal (Adekola & Oumide, 2019). To put it another way, several government organizations that were initially formed to aid in development have instead grown loyal to politicians and have become conduits for corruption inside society (Agweda, 2007). Because so many of the promises that politicians made during election campaigns have not been kept, a large number of Nigerians have become disinterested in their government. Some people are eager to trade their votes in exchange for financial gain, which is indicative of the precarious economic situation that many Nigerians find themselves in. According to Idada and Omoregie (2017), electoral violence may be seen all throughout the Nigerian landscape. This concept refers to any type of threat or harm to property or life that is performed by a person or group that has an interest in subverting the democratic process.

Lucky (2013) pointed out that vote-buying or money politics has continued to play a significant influence in determining who wins elections in Nigeria. In order to secure their positions in government, politicians in Nigeria have resorted to election fraud, which has resulted in the loss of both lives and property (Muse & Narsiah, 2015). According to Alonge (2005), many Nigerians are disinterested in governmental issues as a result of politicians’ unmet promises, bad governance, corruption, and electoral irregularities. It is interesting to observe that in Nigeria, governance has become nearly synonymous with corruption. Eniofe, Ezeani, and Enichie (2015) suggest that the corruption problem in Nigeria cannot be overstated, and no sector of the country is immune to it. Corruption has been elevated to the level of statecraft in Nigeria due to a lack of leadership and government accountability.

Definition of Terms

DEMOCRACY

Omotosho (2015) sees democracy as the power or rule by the people. Similarly, According to Olayinka (2019), in a democracy, the people elect their representatives and are taken into account when decisions are made. In a democracy, the people’s consent and the constitution provide the government its authority (Hughes & Roecher, 2008).

GOOD GOVERNANCE

Good governance in the opinion of Adegbami and Adepoju (2017) implies that public officials and institutions manage public affairs and resources effectively. It is the exercise of political power to promote the public good and the welfare of the people. According to Gberevbie, Oyeyemi, and Excellence-Oluye (2014), good governance implies the proper use of power, prudent resource management, and adherence to the law.

Impediments to Good Governance in Nigeria

PARTY INTEREST

It is important to understand that Nigerian politicians go to considerable efforts to gain and hold power (Muse & Narsiah, 2015). In some instances, politicians make unending promises to win the hearts of the electorate and use illegitimate tactics to attain power. To the dismay of the people, these promises are rarely fulfilled throughout their time in government. Typically, these politicians build a powerful oligarchy centered on themselves. Thus, elite interests substitute democracy centered on the people. Likewise, leaders are overly committed to their political parties and disregard the concerns of the populace. Instead of focusing on enhancing the living conditions of the populace, politicians will rather carry out the orders of their political parties. Underlying this is the concept of political godfatherism, which characterizes a patron-client relationship. Political fathers work diligently to place their political offspring in office. Because of their ties to influential political godfathers, applicants who are not competent end up in places where they should not be.

INEFFECTIVE JUDICIARY

It is essential to emphasize the interdependence of the democratic process and the judicial system. Many people in Nigeria have the impression that the judicial system is dependent on other institutions. The ability of a judge to administer justice free from undue influence or interference is what is meant by judicial independence (Okene, Bolanle, Aina-Pelemo, Mahmud, & Wuraola, 2020). Many Nigerian courts have deteriorating infrastructure, and the Nigerian judiciary is underfunded, resulting in the perversion of justice (Aver & Orban, 2014; Ozah, 2019). It is crucial to remember that instances of bribery and perversion of justice have occurred inside the judiciary (Eniofe, Ezeani, & Enichie, 2015). The trial of certain Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) in an Abuja High Court in 2018 and 2021 for soliciting bribes to some officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission is evidence of corruption in the Nigerian legal system (Okeyim, Ejue, & Ekanem, 2013).

DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN

In Africa, gender inequality in socioeconomic and political realms remains a significant challenge. According to Ojobo (2008), there are still barriers for women in Nigeria, which hinder both their personal and societal advancement. Because of this, a culture of male domination and superiority with little regard for women’s views is created (Uzodike & Onapajo, 2013). Some jobs are traditionally viewed as being only fit for men, hence women are occasionally refused them (Isike & Okeke, 2011). In order for a democracy to function properly, it is essential for women to take part in the election process. To put it another way, democratic government is insufficient if it does not provide equal rights and privileges to women as it does to members of the other gender.

The Way Forward

The term “rule of law” refers to the concept that laws should always take precedence. In order for democracy to thrive in Nigeria, there must be an unwavering adherence to the rule of law. In addition to this, there must be no discrimination in the administration of the rule of law, and all citizens, including leaders and followers, must be on an equal footing. In general, there should be no exceptions to the principle of equal treatment before the law. The practice of some government officials committing crimes and then being allowed to walk free in violation of the rule of law sends the wrong message to the general public and is destructive to democratic institutions (Ajepe & Akanbi, 2012).

According to the constitution, citizens have inherent rights, which are referred to as human rights. However, there is a deplorable tendency of human rights abuse by individuals, governments, and multinational corporations in Nigeria (Chidozie, Lawal, & Ajayi, 2015). It is imperative to educate the populace about their rights. Additionally, education for citizens should be made mandatory from elementary school through high school. In the same vein the idea of discrimination against women should be disabused. Also, traditional practices such as female genital mutilation and early child marriage, which are detrimental to the development of women in society should be discouraged. It is pertinent to promote the inclusion of women in governance and women education and empowerment programs should be conducted.

According to Huttington (2016), in an ideal democratic society, a positive political culture orientation produces democratic dividends. In a related development, A strong political culture can enhance the efficiency of democratic governance and supports the sustainability of democracy. Additionally, Nigerians need to be properly educated on ethical politics that are free of all sorts of violence. Similarly, there is need to strengthen the Electoral institutions in Nigeria to properly checkmate the issues surrounding electoral malpractices. Politicians found guilty of inciting violence and electoral misconduct should be made to face the law. In other words, all politicians irrespective of ethnicity and religion should be held accountable for their actions and inactions, and the rule of law must be given preeminence and equally applied to all citizens irrespective of status.

Religious practitioners should desist from violence against fellow citizens of a different religious inclination. Similarly, the Nigerian economy should be diversified to improve the living standards of the people as poverty drives people into criminal acts.

References

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