By Augustine Eigbe, Ph.D
Democracy in Nigeria is facing unprecedented challenges.
Recent developments including executive overreach, disregard for judicial rulings,
allegations of compromise by the judiciary, weakening of separation of powers, and
the systematic collapse of opposition parties raises pertinent questions about the
sustainability of democratic governance in the country.
One of the most glaring indicators of democratic backsliding in Nigeria is the
increasing defiance of court rulings by both federal and state governments. A striking
example is the prolonged resistance to the Supreme Court’s judgment affirming local
government autonomy.
Despite the apex court’s clear ruling, many state governors have continued to
withhold funds from local councils, effectively rendering them incapacitated. Such
actions constitute a direct assault on constitutional democracy.
When the executives selectively obey court orders, it sets a dangerous precedent
that undermines judicial independence and the rule of law.
This trend mirrors authoritarian tactics where the executive arm consolidates power
by neutralising other arms of government.
The doctrine of separation of powers, which is the cornerstone of democracy,
appears to be eroding in Nigeria.
The legislature at the state and federal levels are mere rubber stamps to the
executives.
At the national level, the 10 th National Assembly has increasingly functioned as an
appendage of the Executive rather than an independent check and balance on its
powers.
The National Assembly’s swift approval of executive requests such as ministerial and
other appointments, foreign loans, and the declaration of state of emergency through
mere voice votes without rigorous scrutiny indicates the weakening of legislative
oversight over the executive.
There has been allegations of executive interference in judicial appointments and
high-profile cases, there by raising concerns about the independence of the judiciary.
When the legislative and judicial arms of government fail to act as counterweights to
executive power, democracy degenerates into electoral autocracy, a system where
elections takes place, but governance is unchecked.
Another alarming trend is the mass defection of prominent politicians from opposition
parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
While party-switching is not uncommon in Nigerian politics, the scale and timing of
recent defections insinuate a deliberate strategy to create a one-party dominant
system ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples
Party (NNPP) have all suffered major defections, leaving them fractured and
ineffective to pose as formidable opposition parties to the ruling party in the next
round of general elections.
Most political oppositions and critics believes that the ruling party has weaponised
poverty, state resources, patronage and intimidation to coerce opposition figures
thereby stifling dissenting opinions and when opposition parties collapse,
democracies often slide into authoritarianism and dictatorship where elections
becomes mere formalities rather than genuine contests for power.
Beyond party politics, democratic institutions, including the Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC), anti-corruption agencies, and security agencies, have
faced accusations of partisan manipulation.
The 2023 general elections and the 2025 off-cycle elections were marred by
systemic inefficiencies, including technical glitches, logistical failures, and serious
allegations of institutional partiality, all of which have greatly eroded public trust and
confidence in the electoral integrity in the country.
While Nigeria remains a nominal democracy, the cumulative effect of executive
overreach, judicial disobedience, legislative subservience, and opposition collapse
infers a systematic erosion of democratic norms.
If unchecked, these trends could push Nigeria towards a one-party system, where
democratic institutions will only exist in nomenclature.
The question, therefore, is not merely whether democracy is being dismantled in
Nigeria but whether Nigerians, civil society, and the judiciary will act decisively to
salvage it before it is too late.
Historian and Development Communication Expert.
Dr. Eigbe can be reached via : augustineeigbe20022002@gmail.com
