IMPACTS OF THE BEHAVIOUR OF THE POLITICAL CLASS ON DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

A democratic government is often a sine qua non with party politics, in that, it is through the party system that democracy and its dividends are realised and made meaningful. On the other hand, the party system is likened to a juristic entity which is only viable and visible with the assistance of personalities operating it, otherwise called the political class. In all, the standard of living of the electorates of any democratic clime testified the good or the bad of the political system as it were. Hence, it may not be an over statement to aver that the development of any democratic system depended greatly on its political class. The object of this work is to look at the impacts of the attitude and behaviour of the political class on democracy in Nigeria. A doctrinal methodology is relied on for critical legal analyses. Primary sources included legislations, interviews and case laws, whereas secondary sources of information included books, articles and internet materials. It is highlighted among other things that, a defective Constitution, bad leadership, negative influence of the political class to adjudication of matters especially in election petition, corruption among the political class and political preferences inhibits the advancement of democracy in Nigeria. The paper makes some recommendations in view of the findings and proposes that doing otherwise may someday plunge the polity into anarchy.