Democracy in Nigeria: Retrospect and Prospects

* Prof. dr. Adebayo Williams, visiting professor at the African Studies Centre (ASC).

The paper examines the foundation of the authoritarian colonial state in Africa and the crisis of postcolonial democratization this has engendered. With specific reference to Nigeria the paper examines the historical background of the country and the problems of democratic governance in an ethnically and religiously divided society. From this the paper takes a critical look at the recent failed transition programmes in the country and their implications for the state in all the ramifications. The paper then examines the chances of the current attempts for ushering in a durable democracy against the background of inter-community strifes, a failed political class and a corrupt and demystified military.