The Democratic Philosophy, Law and the Politics of Identity in Nigeria

Abstract

Defined as ‘government of the people, for the people, by the people,’ democracy has been accepted as the global ideal of leadership and a system to be aspired to by every modern society, despite its flaws. Nigeria, like many other African nations has embraced democracy in the bid to arrive at democracy’s human developmental promises. However, Nigeria’s nascent democracy remains shackled by the vestiges of the ancient cultural, traditional and autochthonous leadership models coupled with an adamant attachment to primordial identity motivated cleavages within the Nigerian socio-political milieu. With over 250 ethnic groups and multiple religions, how to create a harmonious and peaceful nation out of these many identities remains an unanswered national question. This paper explored the origin and philosophy of the democratic system of government, the relationship between democracy, identity politics and the role of the judiciary in the quandary that is Nigeria’s democracy today. It argued for a principled democracy, national orientation and re-orientation, a more robust democratic/voter education, refocusing of religious zeal, elimination of biases and called for unity in diversity as a path to true democracy and as conduits for producing leaders with clear and qualified vision for the liberation of Nigeria and Africa.