Introduction

Nigeria's democratic governance has been weighed and found wanting with the values, principles, ethos, objectives, and goals of different models of liberal democracy. The consensus among analysts and other stakeholders is that democratic politics in Nigeria's Fourth Republic has failed to deliver good governance and other democratic dividends (Adeosun 2014; Omilusi 2015; Usman and Avidime 2016; Ashindorbe 2019). Disrespect for human rights by security agents (especially the infamous Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS) leading to the ‘EndSARS’ nation-wide protests in 2020, and executive lawlessness are still rampant. This is why some analysts and stakeholders have characterized Nigeria's democracy as civil rather than democratic rule. For instance, the distinguished public commentator and Catholic priest, Matthew Kukah (2019) noted that Nigeria's political system has become even more unruly with irresponsible behaviour of men and women of unquestionable character that it has thrusted into power. Sklar, et al. (2006) similarly wrote that the personalization of political power and the overbearing influence of powerful politicians have undermined the principles and values of democratic practice in Nigeria. Furthermore, Falode (2013) and Suleiman (2016) similarly observed that democratic progress and good governance have been stifled by the leadership styles characterized by Machiavellian tactics of the four executive presidents that the country has had in the Fourth Republic.

Political institutions – national parliaments, judiciary, political parties, elected local governments, etc. – that distinguish today's representative governments from the popular governments of the Greek and the Roman without which no democracy in large and complex polities can meet the expectations of popular will are also present in Nigeria (Dahl 1998). But collectively derived decisions from the participation of all citizens through these political institutions are possible when a modern state organization lives up to the two basic principles of democracy highlighted by Pericles’ funeral oration for fallen Greek soldiers – political participation and political equality. A participant political culture that these principles foster contributes to the development of strong political institutions and ensures that those entrusted with political power act within constitutional safeguards for rule of law, respect for civil and political rights, accountability and, in a presidential system, separation of powers between the arms of government against usurpation by one person or political institution to prevail. This is what remains to be seen in Nigeria.

For some, strong institutions are sufficient for securing and guaranteeing good governance.