AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE CHALLENGES OF DEMOCRACY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA IN THE FOURTH REPUBLIC

Abstract

This paper examined the nature and dimension of such challenges as electoral malpractice, inter- and intra-ethnic cleavages, religious crises and insecurity, weak democratic institutions and institutionalized corruption, which have confronted democratic governance in Nigeria since the Fourth Republic in 1999. It predominantly utilized secondary data. Findings showed that these challenges threaten the consolidation of democratic formula capable of carrying the Nigerian state out of its endemic cycle of democratic and leadership crises. Despite these challenges, the paper observed that democracy in Nigeria has the prospects of creating enabling environment for good governance. Thus, the paper recommended that for these prospects to be realized, democratic principles in Nigeria must be consolidated and institutions strengthened.