ABSTRACT

The purpose of this research was to look into the concept of democracy and how it relates to national growth. The government of President Muhammadu Buhari was scrutinized in particular. The goal of the study was to identify Nigeria’s democratic difficulties as well as ideas that could help the country progress. A total of 80 respondents from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were enrolled in the poll, which used the survey method. The findings revealed that ethnic and tribal disputes, religious differences, resource allocation, and corruption are among the major impediments to democracy in Nigeria, according to the likert-scale technique. Further findings show that the Buhari administration has been ineffective in adopting and enforcing policies and legislation that could promote national development, like as human rights laws, business and investment laws, and so on.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The connection between democracy and country development is well-known. This is due to the fact that democracy plays a critical role in ensuring effective governance and national development. The emphasis on enhancing people’s socioeconomic well-being is a typical aspect of democratic administration, and this is associated with the concept of national development. As a result, the man and his quality of life remain at the center of national development thinking (Amucheazi, 1980). Democracy has been presented and understood as a requirement for national growth over time and across the globe (Egena,2013: 250). In keeping with this notion, African countries’ democratic aspirations are likewise concerned with the desire for growth. Given this belief, virtually all African countries are included inside.

In his essay “The Prince,” Niccolo Machiavelli, a proponent of the Machiavellian political philosophy, portrayed democracy in a way that has sparked dispute among experts. Machiavelli viewed politics as wars, but not from a moral standpoint, but rather as a chess game with fixed rules. Politics has always been a game of deception, betrayal, and crime, according to his experience.

As a result, scholars have argued that the Machiavellian understanding of politics is incorrect since it does not represent politics in its genuine sense. This study examines the Nigerian democratic experience and how it manifests in our political practice from this perspective. The student claims that for Nigeria to experience growth in its dimensions, the spirit of traditional ideas must be preserved.

As a result, scholars have argued that the Machiavellian understanding of politics is incorrect since it does not represent politics in its genuine sense. The student claims that for Nigeria to experience progress in its dimensions, the spirit of traditional idea of democracy should be embraced, as this study examines the Nigeria democratic experience and sees its embodiment in our political practice.

Considering the Nigerian democratic experience since 1999, it is necessary to consider if democracy as a political ideology has achieved its goals. Democracy, as a political concept, is traditionally thought to empower citizens, promote the pursuit of public good, and improve social order. What the current democratic system does not do, however, is

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Nigeria has had democracy for more than two decades. The single belief that it could lead to the country’s national growth sparked the fight for it. Nigeria adopted democracy to chart the road for national progress despite ethnic and religious differences. While it may be uncomfortable to say that this goal has not been accomplished, it is not incorrect to say that it has been progressing slowly. One of the justifications for elections is to usher in a new government that would draft and implement better policies, resulting in improved nation-building outcomes. Administration after government, however, has made little progress in this area. This administration was held in high regard for its ability to govern effectively. A peaceful and productive society, it is claimed, must be based on effective state institutions. In this context, good governance refers to mechanisms that are efficient and successful in assisting residents in leading a safe and productive life in accordance with their wishes and abilities. It essentially entails a blend of democracy, actual state welfare, and adherence to the rule of law. Promoting good governance requires all important actors in the private sector and society, in addition to the government. It’s a pity that the nation has been denied this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Corruption, criminality, dehumanization, disregard for the rule of law, and weak security continue to erode the basics on a daily basis.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

Examine Buhari’s administration’s approach to Nigerian democracy and national development.

Investigate democratic policies that can aid in national growth.

 

In Buhari’s administration, investigate the relationship between democracy and the level of national growth.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

What challenges has Nigeria’s democratization caused to the country’s progress under President Buhari’s administration?

How may Nigeria’s democratic process be fine-tuned to promote national development?

In Buhari’s government, what is the relationship between democracy and the level of national development?

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Civilian governments tend to provide more social welfare and security (national development) than military governments, and are thus considered to be a superior form of government than military governments. This explains why nearly every country makes a concerted effort to establish and institutionalize civilian government (democratic government). Meanwhile, several attempts have been undertaken to build and sustain civilian governments in Nigeria since the country’s political independence. However, these attempts have largely resulted in the alternation of civilian and military governments. It’s no surprise, then, that the military has effectively taken control of twenty-nine of our forty-nine years of self-rule. As a result, massive violations of fundamental human rights have occurred, as well as pervasive misrule.

This research will also assist the government in identifying the public’s perceived areas of difficulty that require addressing. This will allow the government to refocus its efforts and resources on the perceived needs of the people.

The research will serve to raise awareness of the link between democracy and national development.

The study will highlight the policies, activities, and accomplishments of President Muhammadu Buhari’s democratic government.

The research will assist students in better understanding what democracy means to citizens and, as a result, will shape their expectations.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study’s main goal is to look at how Nigerian democracy influences national development. Within this context, the study assesses the Buhari administration’s performance in the field of national development from a political standpoint. The research will last four years, from 2015 to 2019.

LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The study’s scope is limited to President Muhammadu Buhari’s government. Other governments have existed, but this research is focused on President Buhari’s administration. It is possible, however, to make a reference to another government. Also, this research is confined to the president’s first term, from 2015 to 2019. Furthermore, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Abuja was contacted for pertinent information in order to elicit essential information that might help answer the research questions.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Democracy

Democracy is a system of government in which the people have the power to decide on the laws that govern them. The basic challenges for democratic growth and constitution are who people are and how authority is divided among them.

Development of the country

The word “national development” encompasses a wide range of activities. It encompasses all areas of an individual’s and nation’s lives. It takes a holistic approach. It is a process of reconstruction and development in various aspects of a nation, as well as individual growth. Our industries, agriculture, education, social, religious, and cultural institutions must all grow and expand to their full potential. Furthermore, national development refers to the overall development of a country. It is best defined as the balanced and all-around development of various aspects and facets of life.

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