, APC3703 Assignment 1
Semester 2 2025
DUE August 2025
Use this document as a guide and for references to answer your assignment
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Background to Nigeria’s Political History Since 1960
1.2 Statement of Onwutuebe’s Assertion
1.3 Purpose and Scope of the Discussion
2. Understanding Military Culture and Democratic Infractions
2.1 Defining Military Culture in Governance
2.2 Democratic Principles and How They Contrast with Military Norms
3. Historical Influence of Military Rule on Nigeria’s Political System
3.1 Timeline and Dominance of Military Governments (1966–1999)
3.2 Recycling of Military Rulers as Civilian Presidents
3.3 Institutional Weakness and Authoritarian Tendencies
4. Manifestations of Military Culture in Civilian Governance
4.1 Centralization of Power and Weak Rule of Law
4.2 Executive Dominance Over Democratic Institutions
4.3 Suppression of Civil Liberties and Media Freedom
4.4 Electoral Manipulation and Political Violence
5. Implications for Democratic Consolidation
5.1 Erosion of Institutional Checks and Balances
5.2 Declining Public Trust and Civic Participation
5.3 Accountability Deficits and Corruption
6. Counterarguments and Other Contributing Factors
6.1 Colonial Legacy and Authoritarian Governance Models
6.2 Ethno-Religious Polarization and Identity Politics
6.3 Socio-Economic Instability and Weak Civil Society
7. Conclusion
7.1 Summary of Key Findings
7.2 Balancing the Influence of Military Culture with Other Structural Factors
, Question 1
The Enduring Legacy of Military Culture in Nigerian Politics: A Critical Analysis of
Onwutuebe’s Assertion
Introduction
Since gaining independence from Britain in 1960, Nigeria has experienced several
military coups and prolonged periods of military rule. Although the country has returned
to civilian democracy since 1999, many of the civilian leaders—including Olusegun
Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari—were former military rulers. This phenomenon
raises concerns over whether Nigeria’s democracy is still under the shadow of its
militaristic past. Onwutuebe (2002) posits that democratic infractions such as
authoritarianism, weak institutions, and disregard for the rule of law are largely due to the
enduring legacy of military culture in political leadership.
Understanding Military Culture
Military culture emphasizes hierarchy, central command, obedience, discipline, and the
use of force. In contrast, democratic governance thrives on participation, consensus-
building, transparency, and accountability. When military leaders transition into civilian
roles without a shift in political mindset, their leadership style may undermine democratic
norms.
Military Influence on Nigeria’s Political System
1. Historical Legacy of Military Rule
o Between 1966 and 1999, Nigeria was under military rule for about 29 years.
During this time, institutions were weakened, and a culture of impunity,
centralization of power, and suppression of dissent was entrenched.
o Military rulers often suspended constitutions, ruled by decrees, and
suppressed civil liberties.
2. Recycling of Military Leaders
o Obasanjo (1999–2007) and Buhari (2015–2023), both former military heads
of state, assumed civilian leadership but retained certain authoritarian
tendencies.
Semester 2 2025
DUE August 2025
Use this document as a guide and for references to answer your assignment
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Background to Nigeria’s Political History Since 1960
1.2 Statement of Onwutuebe’s Assertion
1.3 Purpose and Scope of the Discussion
2. Understanding Military Culture and Democratic Infractions
2.1 Defining Military Culture in Governance
2.2 Democratic Principles and How They Contrast with Military Norms
3. Historical Influence of Military Rule on Nigeria’s Political System
3.1 Timeline and Dominance of Military Governments (1966–1999)
3.2 Recycling of Military Rulers as Civilian Presidents
3.3 Institutional Weakness and Authoritarian Tendencies
4. Manifestations of Military Culture in Civilian Governance
4.1 Centralization of Power and Weak Rule of Law
4.2 Executive Dominance Over Democratic Institutions
4.3 Suppression of Civil Liberties and Media Freedom
4.4 Electoral Manipulation and Political Violence
5. Implications for Democratic Consolidation
5.1 Erosion of Institutional Checks and Balances
5.2 Declining Public Trust and Civic Participation
5.3 Accountability Deficits and Corruption
6. Counterarguments and Other Contributing Factors
6.1 Colonial Legacy and Authoritarian Governance Models
6.2 Ethno-Religious Polarization and Identity Politics
6.3 Socio-Economic Instability and Weak Civil Society
7. Conclusion
7.1 Summary of Key Findings
7.2 Balancing the Influence of Military Culture with Other Structural Factors
, Question 1
The Enduring Legacy of Military Culture in Nigerian Politics: A Critical Analysis of
Onwutuebe’s Assertion
Introduction
Since gaining independence from Britain in 1960, Nigeria has experienced several
military coups and prolonged periods of military rule. Although the country has returned
to civilian democracy since 1999, many of the civilian leaders—including Olusegun
Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari—were former military rulers. This phenomenon
raises concerns over whether Nigeria’s democracy is still under the shadow of its
militaristic past. Onwutuebe (2002) posits that democratic infractions such as
authoritarianism, weak institutions, and disregard for the rule of law are largely due to the
enduring legacy of military culture in political leadership.
Understanding Military Culture
Military culture emphasizes hierarchy, central command, obedience, discipline, and the
use of force. In contrast, democratic governance thrives on participation, consensus-
building, transparency, and accountability. When military leaders transition into civilian
roles without a shift in political mindset, their leadership style may undermine democratic
norms.
Military Influence on Nigeria’s Political System
1. Historical Legacy of Military Rule
o Between 1966 and 1999, Nigeria was under military rule for about 29 years.
During this time, institutions were weakened, and a culture of impunity,
centralization of power, and suppression of dissent was entrenched.
o Military rulers often suspended constitutions, ruled by decrees, and
suppressed civil liberties.
2. Recycling of Military Leaders
o Obasanjo (1999–2007) and Buhari (2015–2023), both former military heads
of state, assumed civilian leadership but retained certain authoritarian
tendencies.
