Abstract:
There is no denying that systemic dysfunction and instability have posed the biggest obstacles to national progress. Over the years, it appeared that efforts to bring about political stability and, by extension, democratisation in Nigeria had failed. Politicians' threats, most notably their misuse of the constitution and disregard for democratic principles, two key pillars of democratic stability and governance, appear to have put the democratic system to the test. This essay aims to investigate the nature and characteristics of the fourth republic's political transition, the subsequent constitutional abuse committed by politicians throughout these years of democratic practise, and their apparent consequences for the continued existence of democracy in Nigeria today. Data was acquired from papers and other pertinent secondary sources, and the study follows the Liberal Democratic Theory, which is the foundation for the democratic system and ideals. The document makes many recommendations, including that internal party democracy be respected when selecting candidates and that the legislative and executive branches of government uphold the rule of law and adhere to the constitution.
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