NIGERIA'S FOURTH REPUBLIC AND TWO DECADES OF UNINTERRUPTED DEMOCRACY

A MILESTONE WORTH CELEBRATING?

Abstract

Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, inaugurated in 1999, represents a pivotal chapter in the country’s democratic history, marking over two decades of uninterrupted democracy—a milestone that invites both celebration and critical reflection. While this period has seen progress in democratic consolidation, challenges such as corruption, governance inefficiencies, security crises, and socio-economic instability persist. This study adopts democratic consolidation theory to examine the successes and setbacks of Nigeria's Fourth Republic, focusing on the institutionalization of democratic practices and the quality of governance. Employing a content analysis methodology, the research evaluates narratives from political discourse, media coverage, and academic literature to assess the trajectory of Nigeria's democracy over the past two decades. Data were analyzed qualitatively to identify recurring themes and trends in democratic governance. A key finding reveals that while the Fourth Republic has fostered greater political stability and increased political participation, substantial reforms are required to address systemic issues, particularly in electoral processes. The study concludes that while Nigeria’s uninterrupted democracy is a notable achievement, its full potential remains unrealized due to persistent governance challenges. To strengthen democratic credibility, the study recommends comprehensive reforms in the electoral system. Specifically, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be granted greater autonomy, and measures to curb electoral fraud and violence must be prioritized. Ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections is essential to consolidating democratic gains and addressing public skepticism about governance, thus fostering a more robust and resilient democracy in Nigeria.