The Nigeria Political Science Association (NPSA) has issued a critical assessment of Nigeria's democratic journey as the country marks 26 years of its Fourth Republic, declaring that "Citizens Are Not Smiling."
In a statement released by NPSA National President, Professor Hassan Saliu, the association highlighted numerous challenges that have plagued Nigeria's democratic governance since its inception in May 1999.
According to the NPSA, despite various policy initiatives by successive governments aimed at improving citizens' lives, the benefits of democracy have not been evenly distributed among Nigerians.
Military Hangover and Dictatorial Tendencies
Professor Saliu identified several factors hindering effective democratic governance, including military hangovers that have contributed to dictatorial tendencies among the country's democratic leaders.
Other issues highlighted include self-serving interests, sluggish policy implementation, over-reliance on neo-liberal economic principles, lack of progressive ideologies, and divisiveness that has compromised the credibility of elections.
"Electoral processes have been marred by questions about their credibility and transparency, while many political parties lack internal democracy and fail to promote democratic values," the statement noted.
The association also criticized politicians for frequently switching parties for personal gain rather than ideological reasons, resulting in a political landscape dominated by one party, which potentially stifles opposition and limits choices for voters.
Economic Challenges and Elite Capture
The NPSA further expressed concern about Nigeria's debt accumulation and questionable budget entries that benefit politicians at the expense of the general population.
The statement highlighted the squeeze on the middle class, with many individuals struggling to make ends meet, citing the neglect of university professors as an example of this trend.
"Democracy has largely served the interests of the ruling elite, while the majority of citizens have not benefited significantly," the association declared.
Call for Fundamental Reforms
To address these challenges, the NPSA emphasized the need to reorient the political system towards developmental politics that prioritize citizens' needs.
"Fundamental adjustments are necessary to ensure democracy delivers benefits to all Nigerians, not just a privileged few. The reality of democracy in Nigeria today is that it has not prioritized the people. This should not be so," the statement concluded.
