Political Entrepreneurization and the Challenges of Institutionalizing Democracy: The Nigerian Experience

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue VI, June 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186

Political Entrepreneurization and the Challenges of Institutionalizing Democracy: The Nigerian Experience

Yakubu Yahaya , Muhammad Alamin Mahmud

Political Science & International Relations Department, Nile University of Nigeria

Abstract: – The underlying literary endeavor set out to investigate the existence of a plausible theoretical interplay between political entrepreneurization and the challenges of democratic institutionalization (consolidation). Hinging on the pedestals of the elite theory the study claims the persistence of career politicians and their do or die political ideology has grievous implications for institutionalizing democracy in Nigeria. The monopolization of political authority by a selected crop of permanent political class has largely undermined the capacity of democratic institutions to effectively carry out their functions without interference. In lieu, the study proposes the urgent need for constitutional overhaul, as the 1999 constitution as amended is near obsolete considering it was borrowed from the colonial powers upon independence. Hence, it particularly remains unsuccessful in its bid to strengthen institutions of liberal democracy. Furthermore, the study also suggest the need for a fiscal driven federalism, as this it thought will not only further accountability and responsiveness but will also bring governance closer to the majority as opposed to what is currently in play.

Keywords: Political Entrepreneurs, Elite Politics, Democracy, Democratic Consolidation and Personalist Regimes.

I. INTRODUCTION

The wave of democratic transitions that swept the African continent in the 1990s did not only presuppose the inevitable decline of authoritarianism and personalist regimes, it also ushered in the burgeoning prospects of regular multi-party elections across the continent. Amongst other outcomes; the wave reaffirms the place of democracy or at the least its properties as the most desirable institution of governance in the contemporary world. Albeit it’s numerous challenges, liberal democracy or its embodiment commands far reaching social acceptance as compared to other forms of government. Accordingly, Nigeria’s return to civil rule in 1999 and preceding transitions spreading over two decades cements its place as Africa’s most populous democracy. Weighing on the argument Cyril (2008, p. 8) suggests democracy in Africa has become the only game in town, with states, non-state and regional actors devoting a lot of resources and energy harnessed towards ordaining and preserving it. Substantiatively, the intervention by the African in the political crises in Guinea Bissau, Sao Tomé and Principe, and Zimbabwe and most recently The Gambia in a bid to ensure that democracy is preserved in these countries.

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