DEMOCRATIZATION AND ELECTORAL PROCESS IN NIGERIA: A HISTORICAL ANALYSIS

The current instability and socio-economic problems that have afflicted Nigeria so far can be traced to the country’s flawed democratization and electoral processes. In it over five decades of independence, Nigeria is yet to witness an orderly and constitutional transition programme totally free from controversy. The country’s history of democratization and electoral process since 1923 till date is shrouded in utter controversy. Elections, which ordinarily should guide citizens to choose those who should be their leaders, have most times been abused by overzealous politicians who crave for power at all costs. This study therefore seeks to investigate the contradictions and challenges inherent in the politics of democratization and electoral process in Nigeria. Based on available evidence on Nigerian politics, this paper argues that the implementation of its electoral programme and the win at all syndrome of the politicians have made the enthronement of a virile and an enduring democracy in Nigeria almost impossible.