EVALUATING THE NEED FOR DEMOCRATIC ACCOUNTABILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY IN NIGERIAN POLITICS

Abstract

The problems of Godfatherism and kleptocratic practices such as corruption, electoral fraud are some of the fundamental challenges to Nigerian politics. Democratic accountability and sustainability have been a mirage in Nigerian politics. In Nigeria, democracy has always been elusive due to the problem of human nature. Human nature is surrounded by egocentric calculation. Human nature is egocentric, wicked and always desirous of power and gain. Some Nigerian representatives in current dispensation have been paying lip service to the principle of democracy. Democratic practices in Nigeria have always been an illusion. The only way forward to avoid this illusion of democracy in Nigeria is through responsible, visionary, transformative, ethical and effective leadership that is people- oriented. Political leadership is human- centred and it requires an onerous task. Political leadership requires dogged commitment, accountability, resourcefulness, intelligence, moral probity, public trust, managerial competence, enthusiasm, empathy and team spirit. Political leadership in some African countries in general and Nigeria in particular has failed woefully and it has collapsed like a pack of cards due to corruption, electoral fraud, political brigandage, Godfatherism and eliocentric politics. This paper adopts the hermeneutical methodology. However, hermeneutic methodology presupposes interpretation; and interpretation spurs more interpretations. The findings, however, show that democratic accountability and sustainability serve as catalyst to national development in Nigeria. Democracy is anchored on the pillars of equality, freedom, justice and security. Corruption is antithetical to democratic practices. This paper concludes that democracy is geared towards the need for human welfare and happiness. Democracy just like development centres on the improvement of human beings and their collective interests.