A CASE STUDY ON DEMOCRACY AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE BUHARI ADMINISTRATION (2015-2019)

A CASE STUDY ON DEMOCRACY AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE BUHARI ADMINISTRATION (2015-2019)

Background of the study

The connection between democratic government and economic progress at the national level is recognized and valued by many. This is due to the fact that democracy plays an extremely significant and significant part in nurturing national growth and supporting effective governance (Alapiki, 2021). The primary focus of democratic governments is on enhancing the social and economic well-being of their populations, which is associated with the concept of national development. This is one of the defining characteristics of democratic forms of government. As a result, the vision of national development continues to center on the man and the quality of life that he leads (Amucheazi, 1980). Over the course of many years and in many parts of the world, democracy has been presented and understood to be a prerequisite for national progress (Egena,2013: 250). In keeping with this idea, the democratic aspiration of African nations is equally linked with the desire for development. This is because African countries want to improve their economies. Given this view, almost all of the countries in Africa have, within the last two decades, switched to a democratic form of administration (Dike, 2001). In light of this, it is anticipated that the democratic process would favorably connect with the progress made by these African nations in terms of their economic standing (Alapiki, 2021). On the other hand, African nations have continued to be marked by underdevelopment and severe poverty even if they have democratic systems of governance (Ake, 1996;Nwuke, 2004; Habu, 2008). In point of fact, this is the case to the degree that the vast majority of the nations throughout the world that are considered to be among the least developed by the United Nations (UN) are located inside these African countries with democratic governments. (See UN Human Development Index, 2009).

In his book named "The Prince," Niccolo Machiavelli, a proponent of the Machiavellianism political theory, presented democracy in a style that has caused disagreements among scholars ever since it was published. Machiavelli viewed political conflicts as fights; however, he did not view them through the perspective of morality; rather, he viewed them as a chess game with predetermined rules. His experiences demonstrated that politics has always been a game played with deceit, betrayal, and sometimes criminal activity (Allen, 2021).

Therefore, many academics have argued and maintained that the Machiavellian idea and practice of politics is an incorrect understanding of politics since it does not represent politics in its genuine sense. The student believes that in order for Nigeria to experience development in all aspects, the spirit of the traditional idea of democracy should be embraced. This study seeks to examine the democratic experience in Nigeria from this vantage point, and seeing its manifestation in our political practice, the student makes this argument (Ake, 2022).

When looking back at the democratic experience in Nigeria after 1999, it is necessary to consider whether or not democracy as a political philosophy has succeeded in delivering on its promises for the country. Democracy, as a form of political philosophy, is expected to fulfill the traditional roles of giving power to the people, encouraging the pursuit of the public good, and improving social order. However, the current democratic experience has offered nothing but economic and social issues, which have shown themselves in a high level of insecurity. This is the case despite the fact that democracy has existed for decades. These deviations act as a barrier to the growth of the nation (Alapiki, 2021). 

1.2 Statement of the problem

Over the course of the past twenty years, democracy has been practiced in Nigeria. The mere conviction that achieving it would be beneficial to the nation's overall growth served as the impetus for the fight to achieve it (Alapiki, 2021). In Nigeria, despite the country's complex historical, cultural, and religious landscape, democracy was chosen as the guiding principle for the country's future growth. Even while it can be uncomfortable to admit that this objective has not yet been accomplished, it is not inaccurate to say that this objective has been moving toward completion at a glacial pace. One of the purposes of elections is to bring into power a new administration that will formulate and carry out superior policies, which, in turn, would provide more fruitful results in terms of country building. However, little progress has been made in this direction during the course of several governments (Allen, 2021).

One of these governments is the one that is led by Muhammadu Buhari, and it is one in which the people have placed a great deal of interest and hope. Change was a central tenet of the campaign that led to the election of the APC administration led by President Buhari in 2015. The administration made a commitment to revamping national policies and institutions in order to foster economic growth (Ake, 2022).

The previous administration failed to live up to the great expectations placed on this one. It is often held that effective governmental institutions must form the backbone of any community that aspires to live in peace and prosperity. In this context, the term "good governance" refers to systems that are both efficient and effective, and which offer individuals the maximum amount of assistance necessary to live a life that is both safe and productive, in line with their preferences and skills (Ake, 2022). In its most basic form, it is characterized by the coexistence of democracy, genuine concern for the welfare of the state, and adherence to the legal system. The promotion of good governance extends beyond the realm of the government and requires the participation of all pertinent players in the corporate sector as well as in society. It is unfortunate that this anticipated opportunity has once again been denied to the nation (Allen, 2021). Reports of corruption, criminality, dehumanization, disregard for the rule of law, and inadequate levels of security continue to ravage the foundations of democracy in Nigeria on a daily basis. On the basis of this assumption, a research is being carried out with the objective of investigating, in a condensed form, the idea of democracy in Nigeria and how it has impacted national development under the administration of Buhari, which will last from 2015 through 2019.

Objectives of the study

1. Examine the problems of Nigerian democracy to national development in Buhari’s administration
2. Investigate policies of democracy that can foster national development.
3. Examine the relationship between democracy and the level of national development in Buhari’s Administration.

Research Questions

1. What problems has the democratization of Nigerian posed to the nation’s development in president Buhari’s administration?
2. How can Nigeria fine tune its democratic process to foster national development?
3. What is the relationship between democracy and the level of national development in the Buhari’s administration?

Significance Of The Study

Civilian government tends to guarantee social welfare and security (national development) to life more than military government and to that extent adjudged a better form of  government than military regime. This explains why virtually every nation consciously attempt to introduce and institutionalize civilian government (democratic government). Meanwhile, since Nigeria’s political independence, efforts have been variously made to establish and sustain civilian governments. These efforts, however, have more or less ended in alternation of civilian governments with military regimes. It is not surprising, therefore, that the military has virtually appropriated twenty-nine years out of our forty-nine years of self-rule. This has resulted in monumental abuse of fundamental human rights and widespread incidence of misrule.

This study will also help pinpoint to the government the public perceived areas of difficulties that requires attention. This will help the government re-direct its efforts and resources to perceived need for the good of the masses.

The study will help publicize the relationship that exists between democracy and national development.

The study will bring into limelight the policies/ programs and achievements of the democratic government led by president Buhari.

The study will help students to better understand what democracy mean to the citizens and therefore condition their expectations.

Scope Of The Study

The major focus of this study is to examine how democracy affects national development in Nigeria. Within this embrace, the study politically appraises the Buhari led administrations in the area of National development. The study will cover a four period of 2015-2019.

Limitation of the study

This focus of this study is limited to the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration. There have been other governments but this study is particularly restricted to the President Buhari administration. However, reference to other government may be made. Also, this study is limited to the first tenure of the president, from 2015 to 2019. furthermore, in order to elicit required information that could help answer the research questions, the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) Abuja was approached for relevant information.

Operational Definition Of Terms

Democracy

Democracy is a form of government in which the people have the authority to choose their governing legislation. Who people are and how authority is shared among them are core issues for democratic development and constitution

National development

The term national development is very comprehensive. It includes all aspects of the life of an individual and the nation. It is holistic in approach. It is a process of reconstruction and development in various dimensions of a nation and development of individuals It includes full-growth and expansion of our industries, agriculture, education, social, religious and cultural institutions. Moreover, national development implies development of a nation as a whole. It can be best defined as the all-round and balanced development of different aspects and facets of the nation viz. political, economic, social, cultural, scientific and material.

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