Democracy and the Challenges of Ethnicity in Nigeria Fourth Republic An Evaluation

Abstract

Democracy is the most widely acceptable system of government in the world by majority of the countries. In Nigeria, democracy is challenged by the multiplicity of ethnically induced factors such as ‘our turn’ syndrome, ‘our interest’ cries of marginalization, fear of domination etc among various ethnic groups, with significant impact on democracy and development. This paper seeks to examine the challenges posed by ethnicity on democracy in Nigeria forth republic. Data were mainly gathered from secondary source for this study qualitatively analysed using content analysis method. Theory of democracy was adopted as its framework of analysis. However, juxtaposing the basic tents of democracy with the negative factors of ethnicity in Nigeria, the paper argues that the dividend of democracy in fostering peace, unity and development is not only insignificant but also marginal compared to what obtains elsewhere. This is so because of certain ethnicity factors hindering the operation of true democracy in Nigeria. The paper concludes that ethnic diversity in Nigeria should be a source of strength for maximizing dividends of democracy and development. Thus, it suggests among others that there is brighter chances of achieving development and strengthen democracy with appropriate governance structure in place that will help play down on the negative factors of ethnicity in Nigeria.