Political Factors Affecting Nigeria – Nigeria is a federal republic and has a democratic system of government in which executive power is exercised by the President. The President of Nigeria doubles as the head of state and government, and also as the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces. The President is elected to a four-year term, after which he can contest for a second term.InformationGuideNigeria

Nigeria operates a political system of multiple parties, however, there are three major political parties as of 2023 seeking to gain power at the presidential level. They are the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressive Congress (APC), and the Labor Party (LP). Amidst the progress of Nigeria’s political landscape, it still experiences certain challenges such as internal friction from sections groups such as Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB) and Boko Haram.

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What is Politics?

Politics refers to the process by which decisions are collectively made. It refers to the actions and decisions made by government leaders and political parties on how resources will be effectively distributed and utilized. In addition, politics has to do with the use of power and influence to determine the direction and decisions of a given society.10 Political Factors Affecting Nigeria

What are Political Factors?

Political factors are certain components and determinants that are related to the various policies of the government. Some examples of political factors are government stability, regulations, and tax.

What is a Political System?

A political system is a set of laws, customs, and institutions that determines how power is shared among various individuals and groups. It is also a set of procedures that determines how a society is governed.

Types of Political Systems

There are several different types of the political system. Some common are listed below:

1. Democracy: This is a political system in which citizens are entitled to participate in the decision-making process in the country by exercising their franchise or right to vote.
2. Dictatorship: Dictatorship is a system in which one person or a small group of people control all the power, and citizens have no say or input in the decision-making process.
3. Monarchy: Monarchy is a system in which a king or queen, holds the power, and the authority is passed down to a son or daughter.10 Political Factors Affecting Nigeria
4. Oligarchy: A political system in which a small group of people holds the power and controls the decision-making process.
5. Theocracy: A political system in which religious laws govern the country and the government is controlled by religious leaders

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Components of A Political System

A political system is composed of several key components that work together to govern a society. These components include:

1. Constitution: This is the supreme law of the land that stipulates how a country should be governed as well as the rights and duties of citizens, government, and the various arms of government.
2. The Legislature: This is the arm of government responsible for making laws.
3. The Executive: This is the arm of the government branch responsible for enforcing laws and policies
4. Judiciary: This is the arm of government responsible for interpreting and applying the laws that govern the country. It consists of various courts, lawyers, and judicial systems.
5. Political parties: Political parties are groups of individuals sharing similar ideologies and goals who aim to get political power.

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Ways to Improve The Political System In Nigeria

There are several ways to improve the political system in Nigeria, some of which include:

1. Eradicating corruption: This can be achieved by implementing stricter laws and regulations, increasing transparency, and making public officers account for every penny they spent in the office.
2. Enhancing transparency: This can be done by implementing systems and policies that allow citizens to access information about government activities, initiatives, and budgets.
3. Strengthening the rule of law: An independent judiciary is important for a functional political system. The government should ensure that the judiciary is free from the apron strings of politician
4. Encouraging citizen participation: This can be done by improving voter education and registration, and by creating more opportunities for citizens to get involved in the political process.

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History Of Nigeria’s Political System

The history of Nigeria’s political system is complex and has been shaped by several factorsJAMB Portal

It began with the precolonial era when Nigeria had diverse ethnic groups and kingdoms and each has its political system. This ended when the British came and dived the country into several protectorates and formed a unified colony in 1914.10 Best University To Study Art And Design In Nigeria

This colony continued till 1960 when Nigeria became independent and had a parliamentary system of government under the leadership of Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa. When the infant nation was still in its early stage of breaking free from colonial rule, the military took over power from the democratic government until 1999 when President Olusegun Obasanjo took over again and the return to democracy was sealed. This has continued to date with power changing hands from one democratic president to another.

Political Factors Affecting Nigeria

1. Corruption: Corruption is said to be Nigeria’s major problem and it undermines the effectiveness of the political system.105 Good Morning Love Messages
2. Political parties: Most Political parties in Nigeria are often based on ethnic sentiment, hence, it leads to divisive politics and continuous instability.10 Best Distance Learning University In Nigeria
3. Ethnic tensions: Nigeria is a very populated country with a large number of ethnic and religious groups. These groups usually experience tensions which can lead to violence and political instability.
4. Insurgency: The insurgency by the Boko Haram group has led to the rise of internally displaced person displacement in the northern part of Nigeria.
5. High Poverty Levels: High levels of poverty and inequality of income can lead to social and political unrest.
6. Trade agreements among countries: Trade agreements affect the flow of goods and services between countries, and also determine the competitiveness of Nigerian businesses.
7. Political and electoral fraud: Electoral fraud is another factor that affects the legitimacy of the political process and leads to distrust of the citizens in the political process.
8. Media: The media plays a vital role in shaping public opinions and disseminating information to citizens about events in the political space.200 Romantic Love Message
9. The activities of civil society groups: The presence of non-governmental organizations, such as social advocacy groups, and religious organizations also influence the political process.
10. Natural resources and allocation challenges: Nigeria’s abundance of natural resources, such as oil, is a boost to its economic growth, however, it also leads to environmental problems and conflict management.
    

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Conclusion

In conclusion, Nigeria’s political terrain is a complex and multidimensional one, shaped by a variety of factors such as stability of government, corruption, ethnic disagreements, and religious tensions. These factors can have a significant impact on the optimum performance of businesses across the country, as well as on the overall well-being of the citizenry.NYSC Portal

For the government to improve the political system, it is important to tackle these challenges through a robust approach. However, to bring about meaningful change in the political space in Nigeria, all hands must be on deck.

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