Frontiers for Democracy, a major advocacy organization dedicated to maintaining democratic ideals and promoting good governance, recently issued a bold appeal for Nigeria to adopt a parliamentary style of government. Their approach tries to address long-standing issues in Nigeria’s political landscape. However, amid this clamor for change, I have to shed some light on some of the deeper issues afflicting national administration.
“I have always thought that Nigerians like spinning around in circles, avoiding the real issues.
I believe this sentiment captures many people’s unhappiness with Nigeria’s repeated attempts to address its governance issues.
What is the underlying reason for Nigeria’s governance failures?
If we critically observe a pattern of oscillation between several forms of government—parliamentary and presidential—both of which have failed to provide efficient governance, the common denominator is Nigerians themselves. Despite having a strong Electoral Act, the country continues to struggle with electoral malpractices and inefficiencies, reflecting broader socioeconomic issues.
Now let’s highlight the historical analogies, such as the shift from regional to centralized government forms.
Ironically, many who formerly advocated for centralization now demand a return to regional autonomy, demonstrating a cycle of conflicting governance principles motivated by personal and political interests.
Similarly, the debate over secession clauses and referendums highlights Nigeria’s lack of a unified national character and the presence of conflicting interests among its sections. While the story varies over time, the fundamental issue remains unaddressed: the Nigerian mentality, which is plagued by fanaticism, ethnic differences, and innate qualities that impede advancement.
If we are to come to a harsh realization, we will agree that changing laws and systems alone would not fix Nigeria’s governance issues. True development requires facing and overcoming the underlying sociocultural concerns that sustain a cycle of government failures. Only when Nigeria collectively identifies and resolves these concerns will significant change be possible.
In essence, the desire for a parliamentary system is just one aspect of a broader discussion about Nigeria’s government trajectory. Until the country faces its internal problems and accepts a shared vision for progress, the cycle of governance inadequacies will continue.
I will have to repeat this again and again if need be. “Until we are ready to deal with our genuine issues—our Nigerian qualities, our mentality, our radicalism, our ethnicity—we will all come together at a round table and talk about it, but for now, I know we are not ready.
Nigeria’s governance conundrum necessitates a comprehensive solution that goes beyond surface improvements and addresses underlying socioeconomic challenges. Only then will the country be able to break out of the cycle of stagnation and design a course for long-term development and prosperity.
Written by Adelodun Adetoyese, a political activist, writer, and blogger, I navigate the complex intersection of civic engagement, literary expression, and digital advocacy.