,APC3703 MAY JUNE PORTFOLIO (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) Semester 1 2025 - DUE 29 May 2025; 100%
correct solutions and explanations.
SECTION A
Question 1: Nigeria – The Military Legacy and Democratic
Infractions
Critically discuss the assertion by Onwutuebe (2002) that
“problems of democratic infractions are prevalent in the
current political system largely due to the persisting
influence of military culture of political leadership.”
Introduction
Nigeria's post-independence political history has been
dominated by cycles of military coups and brief civilian rule.
Although Nigeria transitioned to democratic governance in
1999, Onwutuebe (2002) argues that the current democratic
system remains heavily influenced by a lingering military
culture. This culture, marked by authoritarianism, centralised
power, and disregard for democratic norms, continues to shape
the behaviour of civilian leaders, many of whom are former
military rulers.
Main Argument: Military Legacy and Leadership Style
Authoritarian Leadership: Onwutuebe identifies the
military ethos of command and control as a defining feature
of Nigerian political leadership, even in its civilian
dispensation. This culture discourages participatory
governance and suppresses dissent, leading to democratic
, infractions such as executive overreach and disregard for
rule of law.
Recycling of Military Elites: Key political figures such as
Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari, both former
military rulers, were elected as presidents in the democratic
era. Their leadership styles, often marked by rigidity and
centralisation of power, reflect military orientations more
than democratic values.
Weak Institutions: Military rule weakened democratic
institutions like the judiciary, legislature, and electoral
bodies. The legacy continues in how political power is
exercised—often unilaterally—undermining institutional
checks and balances.
Suppression of Civil Liberties: The military legacy has
also affected the state's treatment of civil liberties.
Crackdowns on protests (e.g., the End SARS protests) and
press freedom reflect an intolerance for dissent that has
roots in Nigeria’s military past.
Counter-Arguments
Democratic Progress: Some scholars argue that Nigeria
has made democratic strides, such as regular elections and
judicial interventions in electoral disputes.
Civic Engagement: The rise of youth activism and civil
society participation challenges the notion that military
culture entirely dominates political life.
Conclusion
Onwutuebe’s (2002) assertion holds significant merit, especially
in explaining persistent undemocratic tendencies in Nigerian
ANSWERS) Semester 1 2025 - DUE 29 May 2025; 100%
correct solutions and explanations.
SECTION A
Question 1: Nigeria – The Military Legacy and Democratic
Infractions
Critically discuss the assertion by Onwutuebe (2002) that
“problems of democratic infractions are prevalent in the
current political system largely due to the persisting
influence of military culture of political leadership.”
Introduction
Nigeria's post-independence political history has been
dominated by cycles of military coups and brief civilian rule.
Although Nigeria transitioned to democratic governance in
1999, Onwutuebe (2002) argues that the current democratic
system remains heavily influenced by a lingering military
culture. This culture, marked by authoritarianism, centralised
power, and disregard for democratic norms, continues to shape
the behaviour of civilian leaders, many of whom are former
military rulers.
Main Argument: Military Legacy and Leadership Style
Authoritarian Leadership: Onwutuebe identifies the
military ethos of command and control as a defining feature
of Nigerian political leadership, even in its civilian
dispensation. This culture discourages participatory
governance and suppresses dissent, leading to democratic
, infractions such as executive overreach and disregard for
rule of law.
Recycling of Military Elites: Key political figures such as
Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari, both former
military rulers, were elected as presidents in the democratic
era. Their leadership styles, often marked by rigidity and
centralisation of power, reflect military orientations more
than democratic values.
Weak Institutions: Military rule weakened democratic
institutions like the judiciary, legislature, and electoral
bodies. The legacy continues in how political power is
exercised—often unilaterally—undermining institutional
checks and balances.
Suppression of Civil Liberties: The military legacy has
also affected the state's treatment of civil liberties.
Crackdowns on protests (e.g., the End SARS protests) and
press freedom reflect an intolerance for dissent that has
roots in Nigeria’s military past.
Counter-Arguments
Democratic Progress: Some scholars argue that Nigeria
has made democratic strides, such as regular elections and
judicial interventions in electoral disputes.
Civic Engagement: The rise of youth activism and civil
society participation challenges the notion that military
culture entirely dominates political life.
Conclusion
Onwutuebe’s (2002) assertion holds significant merit, especially
in explaining persistent undemocratic tendencies in Nigerian
