Nigeria’s democracy is facing an existential crisis as disillusionment spreads across the country. Once celebrated as the government of the people, by the people, and for the people, the current system has morphed into a machinery of oppression, corruption, and elite dominance. Critics argue that the presidential system has only enriched a select few, leaving the masses exploited and powerless.
At the 60th birthday celebration of former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha in Abuja, prominent political figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi, voiced their frustrations. Obasanjo did not hold back, declaring, Democracy in Africa has failed because it does not reflect our culture, values, or way of life.
But if he was suggesting a return to monarchy, he missed the mark. Traditional institutions have been politicized, serving the interests of power brokers rather than the people. The real solution, many argue, lies in restructuring and fiscal federalism.
A Broken System Favoring the Elite
Nigeria’s centralized governance model is widely seen as inefficient, with power heavily concentrated in Abuja while the states remain financially dependent. Critics say this setup encourages laziness and a culture of handouts. The result? A disengaged populace with little interest in elections, seeing no real choice or change.
The 2023 presidential election that brought Bola Tinubu to power saw only 27% voter turnout. In some states, turnout was as low as 9%. “How can leaders claim a popular mandate when the majority of Nigerians refuse to participate?”analysts ask. Meanwhile, in the U.S., 63.7% of voters participated in the last election.
The judiciary, rather than serving as a check on executive power, is increasingly viewed as complicit in sustaining a broken system. Court rulings have repeatedly favored the political elite, fueling public distrust.
Lavish Spending Amid Mass Suffering
As Nigerians battle economic hardship, their leaders indulge in extravagant luxuries. Tinubu’s government reportedly acquired a $150 million presidential jet just weeks after nationwide hunger protests. Lawmakers enjoy fleets of bulletproof cars and earn an eye-watering N21 million per month, alongside an annual N500 million for largely invisible constituency projects. The Vice-President’s new residence cost a staggering N21 billion.
While the people struggle, the ruling class continues its excesses, with bloated convoys and lavish spending that have become symbols of a failed system.
The Case for Restructuring
Nigeria’s First Republic allowed regions to control their resources while contributing a percentage to the central government—a model many argue should be revived. Under such a system, states would be forced to harness their strengths instead of relying on handouts from Abuja.
A decentralized system would prevent an all-powerful president from arbitrarily suspending elected governors and democratic structures, as has happened in the past. It would also reduce the wasteful spending culture that plagues Nigeria’s political class.
No system is perfect, but restructuring would challenge states to be self-sufficient and cut down on executive excesses. Without urgent reform, Nigeria’s democracy may continue to crumble under the weight of elite greed and public disillusionment.
