CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Political brigandage has being of the factors that hinders the modern democractic practice in

Nigeria. Nigeria's electoral system has transitioned from the colonial period to present day.

Unfortunately, despite all attempts towards a more effective democractic practice, it has often

been met with electoral violence at many levels (Taft & Haken, 2018). According to Fund for

Peace (Taft & Haken, 2018), election violence in Nigeria can be traced back over a hundred

years, from the indirect rule (colonial era), post independence, military rule, to the present day

has portrayed the durability of Nigeria's democracy.

Furthermore, Anifoworse, (1982) argued that many political elite leverage violence as an

opportunity to remain in office 'tenaciously' (Agah, 2017). Agah (2017) corroborated the words

of Anifoworse by saying that: ... election time in African countries s seen as war, due to the use

of undemqocratic means by politians to acquire power at all cost. In recent years, violence in

politics is being used as a tool or instrument to silence the voices of the people who originally

surrendered their power to a 'so-called' representative government, all in the name of democracy.

Since Nigeria gained independence in 1960 and became a republic in 1963, the country has

successfully transitioned from civilian rule to military rule twice, and back to civilian rule. The

use of violence is now the new normal in the morden-day democracy in Nigeria. In the words of

Ojo (2014), "violence has become synonymous with Nigeria's political culture such that virtually

all election held so far in the country, are violence-ridden."

1
However, According to the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD, 2020), which clearly

stated that:

Under President Buhari's leadership, APC has demonstrated the same toxic

behavior and corrupt norms that have characterized Nigeria's post-1999 electoral

politics. Its modus operandi both in governing and while campaigning is

indistinguishable from its predecessor. The APC has laundered the reputation of

many corrupt politicians, some of whom president Buhari has personally

endorsed and even campaigned alongside.

In contrast, 'In a newspaper article entitled 'The story of Cain, Abel and Nigeria' Ademola

Adelakun captures the practice of Nigerian democracy. Thus,

Today, Nigeria is literally bleeding. There is too much violence. We have bred enough

Frankenstein monsters to haunt us. We feed them red meat each time they cry for

blood. Those who are not killed by Boko Haram are killed by the Joint Task Force.

Those who escape the JTF fall into the hands of mind-bending illiteracy. Those who

manage to escape all those are consumed by road accidents. Some die in poorly

equipped hospitals. Those lucky to bypass all of the above are either killed by hunger,

poverty, or frustration practically turns them to the living dead. It is the curse of Cain.

The earth antagonizes people who needlessly shed blood. Recently, multiple road

accidents claimed almost 100 lives. In a country where life counts, that should have

led to a major social change. Sadly, not even a paragraph of official response came

from the government. Unfortunately, the government aides who explain away these

deaths are the same ones who rush to Twitter to console President Barack Obama
2
 over the Boston bombing. They are their own brother's keeper because their brother's

life is worthless' (Ajay & Ojo, 2014).

Hence, this study intends to examine the effects of political brigandage on the future of

Nigeria's democracy.

1.2 Aim of the Study

The primary aim of this study is to examine the effects of political brigandage on future of

Nigeria's democracy.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

In order to achieve the aim of this study, the aim was broken down into specific objectives.

There are as follows:

1. To highlight the consequences of political brigandage.

2. To examine the roles of the state institutions in preventing political brigandage.

3. To critically evaluate the roles of the mass media or press in curbing out political

brigandage.

4. To Assess the roles of Nigerians in curbing out political brigandage.

1.4 Research Questions

For the objectives of this study to be attained, the following questions were asked.

1. To what extent does political brigandage hinder the effective practice of democracy?

2. What are the roles of the state institutions in preventing political brigandage?

3. What are the roles of the mass media or press in curbing out political brigandage?

3
4. What are the roles of citizens in curbing out political brigandage in Nigeria?

1.5 Operational Definition of Terms

In order to foster the reader's understanding, the following terms were defined.

1. Citizen: In this study is a person who is born, brought up, and resides in a particular country

or state.

2. Democracy: According to this study, is a system of government that involves ruling with the

peoples' or citizens' consent.

3. Election: In this study, is a tool in democracy that gives the people the power to choose their

representative.

4. Franchise: According to this study, is the citizens' right to vote and to be voted for.

5. Independence: to be free from external influence.

6. Independence of judiciary: The freedom of the judicial arm of government to be free from

the control of the other arms of government when passing its judgements.

7. Nigeria's democracy: According to this study, is the type of democractic system practiced in

Nigeria.

8. Political brigandage: According to this study, is the use of violence or unethical means to

seize state power; consolidate state power, and exercise state power.

9. Politics: As used in this study, is the seizure of state power; consolidation of state power and

the exercise of state power.

10. Rule of law: As used in this study, is the supremacy of the law over both the government and

the governed.

4
 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Concept of Political Brigandage

Political brigandage is the use of violence or intimidation for political purposes. According to

Nnoli (2003), an academic who defined politics as the seizure of state power; consolidation of

state power, and the exercise of state. This is in line withe Aristotle's observation of man as a

'political animal.' Therefore, political brigandage is the use of violence or unethical means to

seize or acquire state power; consolidate state power, and exercise state power.

Ojakorotu (2009) observed that election have been badly conducted and manage in Nigeria.

Furthermore, rigging, brigandage and violence can be easily identified in the election processes.

Politics has been seen as a dirty game my many Nigerians therefore one should not involve in it.

The recent manifestation of electoral violence include physical, psychological and structural

dimensions, all with the agenda to influence electoral processes in favour of the perpetrators of

the violence (Omotola, 2008). However, the one that is common in Nigeria is the physical

violence which include: "assassination of political opponents, arson, looting, shooting,

kidnapping and hostage taking, forceful disruption of campaign rallies, armed raids on voting

and collating centres, including snatching of ballot boxes and papers at gun point" (Omotola,

2008).

2.2 Concept of Democracy

Democracy is system of government that involves the people to surrender their power to their

representative who will in turn realize, and express their will. A popular definition by Abraham

5
Lincoln, who defined democracy as the 'government of the people, by the people, and for the

people' (Agu, 2015). In the view of Circk (1998), democracy is perhaps the most promiscuous

word in the of public affairs." Appadorai (2004) defined democracy as the system of government

'under which the people exercise the governing power either directly or through representatives

periodically elected by them.' However, during the primitive times, direct democracy was

adopted because they people were not many. Therefore, could be afford to hear everyone's

opinion directly (in the village square) without having to go through any channel or medium

(representative). As the world advanced in size, it became very difficult for the people to express

their will individually. The only way for democracy to prevail, was if the people have

representatives that will understand there will and express their will by making decisions on their

(the people) behalf.

Ugo (2000) was of opinion that democracy is not a potted plant, which can be transplanted into

any soil and grow without work. That implies that Nigeria's democracy must be worked on by

both the representatives and the represented. Some other scholars were in corroboration with

saying that " the premise of the social condition of democracy in developing depends the

enabling of the societies to harbor or accommodate the tenets of democracy..." (Eke, 2005).

Furthermore, another scholar argued that Nigeria belongs to the poorest of the poor nations and

implanting a system as expensive as democracy, requires cultivation (Obilor et al.,2018).

Hence, in order for democracy to be, the government must have the peoples' backing and must

have trust and confidence in their leaders (Falade, 2014). Some of the features of democracy

include: fundamental freedom and fundamental rights, election, rule of law, separation of

6
powers, the parliament, democratic pluralism, the government and the opposition, public opinion

and freedom of the media.

2.3 The Impact/Effects or Consequences of Political Brigandage on Nigeria's Democracy

1. Emergence of political apathy amongst citizens in Nigeria.

There is low level of political participation in Nigeria. Folade (2014) revealed that political

apathy amongst citizens is as a result of Nigeria's political system and governance which do

encourage mass participation. Because of the violence which has gained momentum in

Nigeria's politics. "As far as democracy in Nigeria is concerned, it is virtually not beneficial

to the common man" (Ajayi & Ojo, 2014).

2. Lack of trust in the government and legitimacy.

Political brigandage can lead to a lack of legitimacy and trust in government. In addition, it

can also discourage people from participating in the democratic process, as they may feel

that their voices are not being heard or that their votes do not matter. Thereby, leading to

being in government without the backing of the people (illegitimate government).

3. It could lead to tyranny in government

When the elements of democracy are ignored the constitution becomes irrelevant. Tyranny is

a very real possibility when political brigandage goes unchecked, because it can allow a

small group of people to seize power and rule with an iron fist. In that case, the constitution

can become a mere piece of paper, with no real power to restrain the government or protect

the rights of the people. Therefore, the executive becomes too powerful and may not be

controlled.

7
4. It could lead to political instability.

Political instability is a stumbling block to a successful economy in Nigeria. When there is a

unethical means of succession of power, it could cause the nation to develop very slowly.

Some policies of the the previous government may not be given enough time to produce fruit.

5. Mismanagement of National Resources.

Political Brigandage gives no room for accountability and transparency in government. This

could lead to poverty, nation's underdevelopment.

8
 CHAPTER THREE

PREVENTION OF POLITICAL BRIGANDAGE

3.1 The Roles of State Institutions

Electoral commission should ensure that the election is free and Fair. Where the people know

there their votes count. This prevents political apathy amongst the citizens.

Secondly, political education should be incorporated into the school curriculum through the help

of the Ministry of Education.

Thirdly, the judicial arm of government, the last hope of a common man, should be free from the

control of the two other arms of the government, in order to pass true judgement. The institution

of the state should be able to fulfill the will of the state by protecting the peoples' interest.

Defense ministry, under the supervision of the executive, should protect the citizens and their

votes from thugs. Who may decide to steal ballot boxes, instill fear in the voters to vote for their

(thugs) own candidate.

3.2. The Roles of the Mass Media/ Press

These are watch dogs. The press plays a vital role in serving the people with the right and true

information.

The press should also challenge the government when it is no longer serving or protecting the

peoples' interest. The media should also check on the government, ensuring that it remains

accountable to the people. When the press is able to expose corruption or abuses of power, it can

help to prevent political brigandage and keep the government in check.

3.3 The Roles of the Citizens

According to Abraham Lincoln, "democracy is the government of the people, by the people, and

for the people." In other words, the people make the government and the state. Without the

9
people, there would be no government and certainly no state. With that being established, the

people need to understand that it is that power, and they can take back their power. An average

citizen should participate in political and government affairs of the state. He/she could write a

petition, he/she could criticize the government if the government isn't performing its due

function. Finally, he/she should report any crime in his or her area.

10
 CHAPTER FOUR

CONCLUSION

Political brigandage is a lapse to democracy, and economic growth. The point was also

established that the power in the hands of the people, and therefore, should actively participate in

politics. There are major roles the state institutions have to play in order to prevent tyranny and

protect the power of the constitution and protect the rights and interests of the people.

Political brigandage does not give room for democracy as a "potted plant" to be properly

cultivated in a Nigeria, where the power of the constitution declines everyday. The literature that

was critical analyzed reveals that political brigandage does not create an environment for the

peoples' power to be surrendered to representatives and institutions and machinery of the state.

11
 CHAPTER FIVE

RECOMMENDATIONS

This study recommends that political education would go a long way in educating the citizens

about their rights, roles, and their powers. In order for this to be possible, the school and political

parties have a role to play. This study also recommends that Having an independent judiciary and

defense ministry would definitely help to prevent political brigandage. It's also important to have

strong institutions that can uphold the rule of law and defend the rights of the people.

The Mass Media should help the executive and the other arms of government to achieve an

enormous level of accountability and transparency. They stand a middle man in between the

people and the government, by letting the government know about the peoples' cries, and letting

the citizens know about how their resources are being managed by the government.

Lastly, technology should be incorporated in politics, to facilitate free and Fair election. With

that established, there is a gap in literature and therefore researchers are urge to carry out a study

on the impact of artificial intelligence in politics and democracy.

12
 REFERENCES

Ajayi, A. T. & Ojo, E. O. (2014). Democracy in Nigeria: Practice, Problems and

Prospects. Vol. 4, No. 2, Pp 107-125.

Appadorai, A (2004). The Substance of Politics (Fourth Impression). India, Oxford University
Press.

Centre for Democracy and Development (2020), Buhari's Corruption Fight: A Five- Year
Assessment. https://www.cddwestafrica.org/five-year-assessment-outlines-achievements-
and-shortcomings-of-presidents-anti-corruption-drive.

Citizens' Welfare a Myth or Reality" Journal of Alternative Perspectives in the Social Sciences.
Vol.1(2): 152-192.

Crick, B. (1993). Introduction to the Study of Law and Opinion, London: Macmillan Pub.Ltd.

Eke, O.H. (2005). Nigeria Federal Government. London: Hutchinson Educational.

Folade, D. A. (2014). Political Participation in Nigeria Democracy: A Study of Some

Selected Local Government Area in Ondo State Nigeria. Global Journal of Human-Social
Science. Vol. XIV issue VIII version I. Pp. 17-23.

Ikuejube, G. and Olupayimo, D.Z. (eds) Nigeria's Internal Security Challenges: Strategies for
Sustainable Development.

Nnoli, O. (2003). Introduction to Politics. Enugu: PAREP. Pp.1-324.

Obilor, O.I., Kenneth, I., Okoroafor, F.O., Chima, E., & Bello, M. B. (2018). Democracy and
National Development: A Focus on Nigeria. GNOSI: An Interdisciplinary Journal of
Human Theory and Praxis, Vol. 2(1). Pp.1-8.

Ojakorotu, V. (2009). "From " Authoritarian Rule" to "Democracy" in Nigeria:

Ojo, O.M. (2014). Electoral Security and Democracy Consolidation in Nigeria.

13
Omotola, J.S. (2008) "Against the Cultural Gap Thesis on Africa's Democratization" Philippine
Journal of Third World Studies. Vol. 23(2): 46-68.

Punch, 13 November, 2013.

Taft, P. & Haken, N. (2018). Leveraging Networks for the Prevention of Election Violence in
Nigeria. Beyond the Hashtags. Fund for Peace(FFP). Washington, USA.

Ugo, K. M. (2000) Foreign Policy and Federalism. New York: Longman. Pp. 59-63

14
 TITLE PAGE

POLITICAL BRIGANDAGE AND THE FUTURE OF DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA.

15
 DEDICATION

This study is dedicated to God Almighty and my mother, Late Dr (Mrs) Obioma J. Ezeifeoma of

blessed memory.

16
 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I thank God Almighty for his unwavering support, patient, and presence during the course of

writing this term paper. Honestly, the fruit of this study, is his credit. My immense gratitude goes

to my lecturer in the person of Reverend sister NWANKA C.O., for giving me the opportunity to

have a glimpse of what it means to venture into the world of academia. I am grateful to the entire

GSP courses codinators for incorporating this exercise in the curriculum.

I also appreciate my mother, Late Dr (Mrs) Obioma J. Ezeifeoma for first introducing me into

the world of academia, and for tolerating my excesses and correcting me at when due.

This acknowledgment will be incomplete without family, in the persons of my father, Timothy

O. Ezeifeoma, Dr. Adanna C. Timothy, Ifeka O. Timothy Esq., Arch. Onyema U. Timothy,

Nneoma U. Timothy, Nkolika M. Timothy, and Onyenwenwa C. Timothy, for their enormous

support, love and for always creating an environment for all of who I am to be seen. Finally, to

all my friends and well-wishers, I hold you dear to my heart. If I even attempt to list out your

names, I will run out if pages. Words are not enough to express my gratitude, for I am not a self-

made person, but it is on your shoulders I stand on.

17
 ABSTRACT

This study examined the effects of political brigandage on future Nigeria's democracy. It also

revealed the consequences of political brigandage, and the roles of the state institutions, mass

media, and citizens' roles in preventing political brigandage in Nigeria. The study recommended

amongst others that there should be independence of judicial arm of government, in order to

pass true judgement.

Keywords: Politics, Political Brigandage, Democracy, Independence of judiciary.

18
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents. Pages
Title page i
Dedication ii
Acknowledgment iii
Abstract iv
Table of Contents v
List of Abbreviations vi

CHAPTER ONE: Introduction

1.1 Background to the Study 1
1.2 Aim of the Study 3
1.3 Objectives of the study 3
1.4 Research Questions 4
1.5 Operational Definition of Terms 5

CHAPTER TWO: Literature Review

2.1 Concept of Political Brigandage 7
2.2 Concept of Democracy 8
2.3 Consequences of Political Brigandage on Nigeria's Democracy 7

CHAPTER THREE: PREVENTION OF POLITICAL BRIGANDAGE

3.1 The Roles of the State Institutions 9
3.2 The Roles of the Mass Media/ Press 9
3.3 The Roles of Citizens 9
CHAPTER FOUR: Conclusion 11
19
CHAPTER FIVE: Recommendations 12
References 13
LISTS OF ABBREVIATION

JTF Joint Task Force

INEC Independent National Electoral Commission

CDD Centre for Democracy and Development

20
 UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA
FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

A TERM PAPER
SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT ON THE COURSE
GSP 101 (USE OF ENGLISH).

TOPIC:
POLITICAL BRIGANDAGE AND THE FUTURE OF
DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA.

BY

TIMOTHY, ZELENJO CHIGBAMUME

REG NO.: 2022/243827

LECTURER:
REV. SR. NWANKA C. O.

OCTOBER 2023.

21