A. A. IGBAFE

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.

This study comparatively examined the politics, governance and development in pre colonial and post-colonial Nigeria. Politics is conceived as the study of the state and its institutions and the relationship these institutions have with the people living in the state. Governance refers to the activity, process or quality of governing. Development is concerned with changes in environment, health, economy, politics, social and cultures that create and supports lives. This study was qualitative, relying on secondary materials such as books, articles, newspapers and other secondary materials. The study found that politics in pre-colonial and post-colonial Nigeria are significantly different. While both can boast of operating under checks and balances, the principle was more entrenched and respected in the pre-colonial period than in this contemporary post-colonial period. In post-colonial Nigeria, various institutions appear to be serving the interest of the executive headed by a president who wields so much power. It was also found that governance in pre-colonial Nigeria and post-colonial Nigeria are different in that in pre colonial period, governance was based on decentralized and centralized system. The exigency of power depended on the region or community. In post-colonial Nigeria, the governance system is characterized by high corruption, foreign domination, exclusion and socio-economic crisis. Leadership is a very big challenge since independence orchestrating agitations from the people. Lastly, it was found that development in pre colonial Nigeria and post-colonial Nigeria are different in that in pre-colonial period. Development during pre-colonial period was seen in the areas of commerce and trade which provided the needed harmony and peace for communal living. Whereas in post colonial Nigeria, there have been preponderance of poverty, malnutrition, insecurity, health-related issues, rapid inflation and poor infrastructure. The study therefore recommended that there is need for the current post-colonial Nigerian government to revert to the era of agriculture-based economy; entrench the principle of checks and balances that would address tyranny and entrench accountability and transparency in the public dealing and the political system of Nigeria should reflect the ethnic, religious and socio-economic background of the people.

This study comparatively examined the politics, governance and development in pre- colonial and post-colonial Nigeria. Politics is conceived as the study of the state and its institutions and the relationship these institutions have with the people living in the state. Governance refers to the activity, process or quality of governing. Development is concerned with changes in environment, health, economy, politics, social and cultures that create and supports lives. This study was qualitative, relying on secondary materials such as books, articles, newspapers and other secondary materials. The study found that politics in pre-colonial and post-colonial Nigeria are significantly different. While both can boast of operating under checks and balances, the principle was more entrenched and respected in the pre-colonial period than in this contemporary post-colonial period. In post-colonial Nigeria, various institutions appear to be serving the interest of the executive headed by a president who wields so much power. It was also found that governance in pre-colonial Nigeria and post-colonial Nigeria are different in that in pre- colonial period, governance was based on decentralized and centralized system. The exigency of power depended on the region or community. In post-colonial Nigeria, the governance system is characterized by high corruption, foreign domination, exclusion and socio-economic crisis. Leadership is a very big challenge since independence orchestrating agitations from the people. Lastly, it was found that development in pre- colonial Nigeria and post-colonial Nigeria are different in that in pre-colonial period. Development during pre-colonial period was seen in the areas of commerce and trade which provided the needed harmony and peace for communal living. Whereas in post- colonial Nigeria, there have been preponderance of poverty, malnutrition, insecurity, health-related issues, rapid inflation and poor infrastructure. The study therefore recommended that there is need for the current post-colonial Nigerian government to revert to the era of agriculture-based economy; entrench the principle of checks and balances that would address tyranny and entrench accountability and transparency in the 12 public dealing and the political system of Nigeria should reflect the ethnic, religious and socio-economic background of the people.