The Challenges of Democratic Governance in Nigeria’s 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.