THE ELITE THEORY AND DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA, 2011 - 2018.

Abstract

The study is an appraisal on the “Elites Theory” and democracy in Nigeria in the fourth republic with specific attention to the period 2011-2018. The elites constitute a group of privileged individuals who control the levers of power and influence in the society. The political landscape in Nigeria since independence is dominated by the elites both military and civil in the helms of affairs of the State. The period under study in the fourth republic witnessed a high level of elitism in the democratic space and peculiar nature of their conduct in the quest for power and control of State resources irrespective of political parties’ affiliations. The elite as a group interest is manifested in their State activities as it relates to other strata of the Nigerian society. The research methodology employed is the use of secondary source of data collection and analysis. The study found that the Nigerian political elite, irrespective of party affiliations, are virtually the same in character and ideological dispositions. In conclusion, the study recommends that the elites in Nigeria must ensure that democratic principles prevail both at the party level and the political system in general. Constitutionalism and the rule of law as fundamental in a democracy must prevail irrespective of the elite’s disposition if good governance and political stability is to be guaranteed.