The chapter discusses the electoral systems and dissatisfaction with democracy in Nigeria. Power sharing, the federal character principle, zoning, and electoral violence characterize the democratic process in Nigeria. Despite the entrenchment of democracy in Nigeria, citizens’ discontent is prevalent because of the electoral system model, election malpractices, electoral violence, and corruption. Drawing from the events of Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election, this chapter unpacks the discontent with democracy in Nigeria and the extent to which the electoral system undermines democratic principles and the quality of democracy in Nigeria. I generated data from the Afrobarometer survey, political campaign analysis, news mapping, social survey, and policy analysis. The findings suggest that Nigerian citizens are dissatisfied with the quality of democracy because of corruption, the electoral system, a lack of welfare policies, and economic conditions. Citizens are satisfied with democracy when they feel represented by parties and politicians who are accountable and responsive. Additionally, private funding of election campaigns and godfatherism influences those who contest the office, who is elected, who controls the policies, and what policies candidates respond to.

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Electoral Systems and Discontent of Democracy in Nigeria

  • Samuel Umoh

摘要

The chapter discusses the electoral systems and dissatisfaction with democracy in Nigeria. Power sharing, the federal character principle, zoning, and electoral violence characterize the democratic process in Nigeria. Despite the entrenchment of democracy in Nigeria, citizens’ discontent is prevalent because of the electoral system model, election malpractices, electoral violence, and corruption. Drawing from the events of Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election, this chapter unpacks the discontent with democracy in Nigeria and the extent to which the electoral system undermines democratic principles and the quality of democracy in Nigeria. I generated data from the Afrobarometer survey, political campaign analysis, news mapping, social survey, and policy analysis. The findings suggest that Nigerian citizens are dissatisfied with the quality of democracy because of corruption, the electoral system, a lack of welfare policies, and economic conditions. Citizens are satisfied with democracy when they feel represented by parties and politicians who are accountable and responsive. Additionally, private funding of election campaigns and godfatherism influences those who contest the office, who is elected, who controls the policies, and what policies candidates respond to.