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Abstract
The study investigated democratic institutions and national development in Nigeria with Edo State as the focal point. The persistent challenge of weak institutional frameworks, corruption, and governance deficits continues to undermine Nigeria’s democratic
consolidation and developmental progress. As a result, key institutions such as the legislature, judiciary, and electoral bodies often struggle to fulfil their mandates effectively, thereby limiting their ability to drive socio-economic and political development in the country. Pertinent questions were raised such as, how have democratic institutions contributed to the socio-economic and political development of Nigeria since the return to democratic rule? to give the research a focus. The study adopted descriptive research survey design to address issue in the subject matter. The sample size was made up of 100 respondents. The data collected was analyzed using frequency count and simple percentage. The study was anchored on the Modernization Theory, which emphasizes the role of stable, transparent, and accountable institutions in sustaining democracy and national development. The study revealed that democratic institutions have contributed to Nigeria’s socio- economic and political development since the return to democratic governance, particularly through law-making, electoral reforms, and the promotion of civic
participation. However, the findings equally showed that the influence of these institutions on good governance, transparency, and accountability remains limited due to political interference, corruption, inadequate funding, and poor institutional capacity. The study concluded that strengthening democratic institutions is essential for enhancing national development in Nigeria. Reforms such as improved institutional autonomy, stronger anti-corruption mechanisms, adequate funding, capacity building, and the
enforcement of constitutional provisions were identified as necessary for revitalising democratic institutions. The study recommended, among others, that government at all levels should priorities institutional reforms, promote transparency, and ensure strict
adherence to democratic principles to achieve sustainable national development in Edo State and Nigeria at large.
consolidation and developmental progress. As a result, key institutions such as the legislature, judiciary, and electoral bodies often struggle to fulfil their mandates effectively, thereby limiting their ability to drive socio-economic and political development in the country. Pertinent questions were raised such as, how have democratic institutions contributed to the socio-economic and political development of Nigeria since the return to democratic rule? to give the research a focus. The study adopted descriptive research survey design to address issue in the subject matter. The sample size was made up of 100 respondents. The data collected was analyzed using frequency count and simple percentage. The study was anchored on the Modernization Theory, which emphasizes the role of stable, transparent, and accountable institutions in sustaining democracy and national development. The study revealed that democratic institutions have contributed to Nigeria’s socio- economic and political development since the return to democratic governance, particularly through law-making, electoral reforms, and the promotion of civic
participation. However, the findings equally showed that the influence of these institutions on good governance, transparency, and accountability remains limited due to political interference, corruption, inadequate funding, and poor institutional capacity. The study concluded that strengthening democratic institutions is essential for enhancing national development in Nigeria. Reforms such as improved institutional autonomy, stronger anti-corruption mechanisms, adequate funding, capacity building, and the
enforcement of constitutional provisions were identified as necessary for revitalising democratic institutions. The study recommended, among others, that government at all levels should priorities institutional reforms, promote transparency, and ensure strict
adherence to democratic principles to achieve sustainable national development in Edo State and Nigeria at large.
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