Hybrid Hope: Can Nigeria Bridge the Gap Between Democratic Aspirations and Reality?

Nigeria’s 2023 Democracy Index performance reveals a concerning lack of progress. Nigeria ranks 104 out of 167 countries in the Democracy Index 2023, recently released by London-based Economist Intelligence Unit. While Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to democratic principles since the end of military rule in 1999 is commendable, a closer examination of the data reveals a concerning trend in its democratic development. Over the past five years, Nigeria’s position on the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) Index has remained remarkably stagnant, ranging from a low of 4.10 in 2020 to a high of 4.23 in 2022 and 2023. Despite minor fluctuations, this lack of significant progress raises crucial questions about the challenges hindering its democratic consolidation.

This edition of the Nextier SPD Policy Weekly delves into the complexities of Nigeria’s democratic landscape, exploring its persistent challenges alongside its existing strengths. Ultimately, addressing these issues is crucial for fostering a more inclusive, just, and prosperous future for all Nigerians.

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