ETHNIC POLITICS AND SUSTAINABLE DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA

Since Nigeria gained independence, there has been a persistent demand for an electoral system that would foster a functional democratic process. Despite numerous reform efforts, the outcome appears to deteriorate with each successive general election. This study employs content analysis, drawing on...

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Main Author: UKWU FELIX EMEKA
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Federal University Wukari 2024-06-01
Series:International Studies Journal
Subjects:
Online Access:https://wissjournals.com.ng/index.php/wiss/article/view/346
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author UKWU FELIX EMEKA
author_facet UKWU FELIX EMEKA
author_sort UKWU FELIX EMEKA
collection DOAJ
description Since Nigeria gained independence, there has been a persistent demand for an electoral system that would foster a functional democratic process. Despite numerous reform efforts, the outcome appears to deteriorate with each successive general election. This study employs content analysis, drawing on the conflict theory proposed by Karl Marx. It examines the influence of ethnic politics on Nigeria's pursuit of a sustainable democracy. The research contends that the endemic nature of ethnic politics presents significant hurdles to democracy's survival in Nigeria. The findings reveal various symptoms and ramifications of ethnic politics that hinder the consolidation of democracy, including heightened calls for self-determination, escalating insecurity, and stalled development. However, the paper advocates for a two-party system to mitigate regional dominance in power structures, emphasizes strict adherence to federal principles, and proposes restructuring as crucial measures to address the challenges posed by ethnic politics in Nigeria. The contribution to the literature lies in the nuanced exploration of the interplay between ethnic politics and democratic consolidation in Nigeria, grounded in the framework of conflict theory. While previous studies have acknowledged the disruptive role of ethnic politics, this research delves deeper into its multifaceted effects on the democratic process. By advocating for specific reforms such as a two-party system and structural adjustments, this study offers practical insights for policymakers and scholars seeking to address the complexities of Nigeria's political landscape.
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spelling doaj-art-b998a577efcf4e0fb816742787f0cce92025-02-10T10:00:29ZengFederal University WukariInternational Studies Journal2756-46492024-06-0182ETHNIC POLITICS AND SUSTAINABLE DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIAUKWU FELIX EMEKA0DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (PALG) Since Nigeria gained independence, there has been a persistent demand for an electoral system that would foster a functional democratic process. Despite numerous reform efforts, the outcome appears to deteriorate with each successive general election. This study employs content analysis, drawing on the conflict theory proposed by Karl Marx. It examines the influence of ethnic politics on Nigeria's pursuit of a sustainable democracy. The research contends that the endemic nature of ethnic politics presents significant hurdles to democracy's survival in Nigeria. The findings reveal various symptoms and ramifications of ethnic politics that hinder the consolidation of democracy, including heightened calls for self-determination, escalating insecurity, and stalled development. However, the paper advocates for a two-party system to mitigate regional dominance in power structures, emphasizes strict adherence to federal principles, and proposes restructuring as crucial measures to address the challenges posed by ethnic politics in Nigeria. The contribution to the literature lies in the nuanced exploration of the interplay between ethnic politics and democratic consolidation in Nigeria, grounded in the framework of conflict theory. While previous studies have acknowledged the disruptive role of ethnic politics, this research delves deeper into its multifaceted effects on the democratic process. By advocating for specific reforms such as a two-party system and structural adjustments, this study offers practical insights for policymakers and scholars seeking to address the complexities of Nigeria's political landscape. https://wissjournals.com.ng/index.php/wiss/article/view/346EthnicPoliticsSustainableDemocracy
spellingShingle UKWU FELIX EMEKA
ETHNIC POLITICS AND SUSTAINABLE DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA
International Studies Journal
Ethnic
Politics
Sustainable
Democracy
title ETHNIC POLITICS AND SUSTAINABLE DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA
title_full ETHNIC POLITICS AND SUSTAINABLE DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA
title_fullStr ETHNIC POLITICS AND SUSTAINABLE DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA
title_full_unstemmed ETHNIC POLITICS AND SUSTAINABLE DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA
title_short ETHNIC POLITICS AND SUSTAINABLE DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA
title_sort ethnic politics and sustainable democracy in nigeria
topic Ethnic
Politics
Sustainable
Democracy
url https://wissjournals.com.ng/index.php/wiss/article/view/346
work_keys_str_mv AT ukwufelixemeka ethnicpoliticsandsustainabledemocracyinnigeria