An Assessment of the Gains and Pains of Western Democracy in Nigeria Since 1999

Abstract

Since the return to democratic governance in Nigeria in 1999, the country has witnessed several upheavals and topsy-turvy attempts toward improving people-centered democratic governance and leadership management in Nigeria. The challenges revolve around violation of the rule of law, abuse of fundamental human rights, electoral malpractices, injustice and impunity, corruption, terrorism, political instability, budgetary distortions, poor provision of infrastructural social amenities, unemployment and grinding abject poverty. Due to these numerous challenges, most scholars are skeptical about the success of democracy in Nigeria. Therefore, to understand whether or not the practice of Western democracy is a success story in Nigeria, this paper is structured into the meaning and principles or features of democracy, the success of Western democracy and its failures, and the way forward. The methodologies for data collection were library research and reviews. Qualitative primary data were accessed and used. The findings revealed that while there are gains in democracy, the pains and or failure outweigh the success.