Sustainance of Democracy and its Practise in Nigeria - Mr. A.R Aina

Nigeria is a federal republic with a presidential system. The constitution provides for separation of powers among the three branches of government. General elections held in February 1999 marked the end of 15 years of military rule and beginning of civilian rule based on a multi-party democracy.
                                                       
The future of Nigerian politics lies in tolerating own governance. Failure of elections conducted by the civilian government in 1965 and 1983 brought about the Military Intervention.                                    
With a restoration of democracy, Nigerians are very much determined to sustain it and make the future generation proud to be a part of this great nation. Since the return of democracy in Nigeria, there has been a consistent and gradual change in the political arena.                                                                      Three political parties participated in the election that was held in 1999 (AD, PDP and ANPP). But there was a tremendous increase in 2003, and 25 new political parties came into existence and were registered by the National Electoral Body. This increase the total number of political parties to 28 and they all participated in 2003 general election. PDP and former President Olusegun Obasanjo emerged at both the 1999 and 2003 General Elections.                                                              
In 2007, there was another general election with 18 political parties, and this also led to victory for PDP for the third tine in a role, and they were in power for another four years in which late Alh. Umar Musa Yar 'Adua was elected. Although He passed on while in authority, the party retained ownership of the presidency.                                                              The firm hold of the PDP played out yet again for the fourth time, and they did emerge again in the 2011 general election where Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was elected. There were about 21 registered political parties during the election.                                              
However, the opposition was gaining ground and become a force to be reckoned with. There was a defeat of the incumbent in the 2015 general elections, and this brought into power the All Progressive Congress (APC) where the former head of state; General Muhammed Buhari was elected.                  
Nigeria has proven that it can sustain democracy and the people are ready to do what it takes to make it happen despite series of challenges accumulated to it such as Corruption, Money laundry, Incessant Kidnapping, Terrorism, etc.
                                 
Aina Abiodun Razak. Aka Harbeylinho              
Graduate, History and Diplomatic Studies
Olabisi Onabanjo University