Governance Crisis and Democracy in Nigeria, 1999 - 2012

Democracy is adjudged the best form of government all over the world. In 1999, Nigeria joined other civilised countries by enthroning democratic political system. Consequently, this paper examines governance crisis and effects on the sustainability of democracy in the country. Adopting narrative descriptive approach, the paper notes that democracy is capable of ensuring good governance based on rule of law, accountability, and transparency among others if well managed. However, in the case of Nigeria, the paper observes that the nation has made some giant strides in its democratic journey since 1999 but the people are yet to fully reap the fruits embedded in this political system. This is as a result of challenges like corruption, ethnicity, leadership failures and other egregious national problems which combined in frustrating the sustenance of democracy in Africa’s most populous nation. The paper concludes that what is needed in the country is the strengthening and building of institutions of government rather than personalisation of state authority. The institutions of government so strengthened will act as catalysts in promoting the goals of democracy and serve as bulwark against abuses. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n14p12