,APC3703 Assignment 1 (COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 2 2025 - DUE August 2025; 100% TRUSTED
Complete, trusted solutions and explanations.
Table of Contents
1. Military Legacy and Democratic Infractions in Nigeria’s
Fourth Republic
A critical discussion of Onwutuebe’s (2002) assertion on how the
persisting influence of military political culture undermines
democracy in Nigeria since 1960.
2. Taming the Leviathan: Civil Society as the Vanguard of
Ghana’s Democratic Consolidation
An analysis of Sefa-Nyarko’s (2022) view that a strong civil society
is the most effective check on state excesses in Ghana.
3. Ghana and Nigeria: A Comparative Analysis of Challenges to
Democratic Consolidation Since 1992 and 1999
A critical comparison of the obstacles both nations face in
deepening democracy after their respective transitions.
4. From Managed Stability to Popular Revolt: The 2019 Hirak
and the Fall of Bouteflika
An evaluation of Serres’s (2022) concept of the “revolutionary
situation” that led to Algeria’s peaceful 2019 uprising.
5. From Revolution to Restoration: Authoritarian Resurgence in
Post-2013 Egypt
A critical discussion of Hamzawy’s (2022) account of how Egypt’s
democratic gains after 2011 were dismantled after the 2013 coup.
6. Zéroual’s Mid-1990s Political Reforms: Democratic
Experiment or Controlled Transition?
An evaluation of Zéroual’s reforms in light of Bouteflika’s
uncontested election in 1999.
,Question 1
Enduring Impact of Military Culture on Nigeria’s Democratic
Governance
Introduction
Nigeria’s political history since independence in 1960 has been
characterised by alternating cycles of civilian democracy and military
rule. Between 1966 and 1999, military regimes dominated governance
for almost three decades, shaping the political culture, leadership styles,
and institutional norms that persist today. Onwutuebe (2002) argues that
the prevalence of ―democratic infractions‖ in contemporary Nigeria —
such as electoral malpractice, authoritarian tendencies, and disregard for
constitutionalism — is largely attributable to the enduring influence of
military culture. This essay critically examines that claim, exploring the
nature of military political culture, its impact on Nigeria’s democratic
trajectory, and other contributing factors to democratic erosion.
Understanding Military Political Culture
Military political culture refers to the norms, values, and decision-
making styles associated with armed forces leadership, typically
including:
Centralised authority and hierarchical command structures.
Discipline and obedience with limited tolerance for dissent.
Secrecy and control of information.
Use of coercion to maintain order.
Prioritisation of stability over participatory governance.
In a military environment, efficiency and unity often take precedence
over democratic principles such as inclusiveness, consultation, and civil
liberties. When military leaders transition into civilian politics without
, abandoning these habits, they risk transplanting undemocratic practices
into governance.
Historical Context: Nigeria’s Military Legacy
From the first coup in 1966 to the return to civilian rule in 1999, Nigeria
experienced repeated military interventions. Key features of these
regimes included:
1. Centralised power in the executive — The head of state wielded
unchecked authority, often sidelining legislatures and the judiciary.
2. Weak institutions — Military rule eroded the independence of
key democratic bodies.
3. Decree governance — Ruling by edicts rather than parliamentary
debate entrenched non-participatory decision-making.
4. Recycling of leaders — Many former military heads, such as
Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari, returned as civilian
presidents, bringing with them entrenched command-style
governance.
The transition to democracy in 1999 did not erase these patterns; instead,
they were rebranded under civilian institutions.
Manifestations of Military Culture in Nigeria’s Democracy
1. Authoritarian Leadership Styles
Civilian administrations led by ex-military leaders often exhibit
intolerance for opposition. Decision-making remains top-down,
with limited consultation with citizens or parliament.
2. Suppression of Civil Liberties
Crackdowns on protests, restrictions on press freedom, and
security-driven governance reflect a security-first mindset rooted
in military command.
Semester 2 2025 - DUE August 2025; 100% TRUSTED
Complete, trusted solutions and explanations.
Table of Contents
1. Military Legacy and Democratic Infractions in Nigeria’s
Fourth Republic
A critical discussion of Onwutuebe’s (2002) assertion on how the
persisting influence of military political culture undermines
democracy in Nigeria since 1960.
2. Taming the Leviathan: Civil Society as the Vanguard of
Ghana’s Democratic Consolidation
An analysis of Sefa-Nyarko’s (2022) view that a strong civil society
is the most effective check on state excesses in Ghana.
3. Ghana and Nigeria: A Comparative Analysis of Challenges to
Democratic Consolidation Since 1992 and 1999
A critical comparison of the obstacles both nations face in
deepening democracy after their respective transitions.
4. From Managed Stability to Popular Revolt: The 2019 Hirak
and the Fall of Bouteflika
An evaluation of Serres’s (2022) concept of the “revolutionary
situation” that led to Algeria’s peaceful 2019 uprising.
5. From Revolution to Restoration: Authoritarian Resurgence in
Post-2013 Egypt
A critical discussion of Hamzawy’s (2022) account of how Egypt’s
democratic gains after 2011 were dismantled after the 2013 coup.
6. Zéroual’s Mid-1990s Political Reforms: Democratic
Experiment or Controlled Transition?
An evaluation of Zéroual’s reforms in light of Bouteflika’s
uncontested election in 1999.
,Question 1
Enduring Impact of Military Culture on Nigeria’s Democratic
Governance
Introduction
Nigeria’s political history since independence in 1960 has been
characterised by alternating cycles of civilian democracy and military
rule. Between 1966 and 1999, military regimes dominated governance
for almost three decades, shaping the political culture, leadership styles,
and institutional norms that persist today. Onwutuebe (2002) argues that
the prevalence of ―democratic infractions‖ in contemporary Nigeria —
such as electoral malpractice, authoritarian tendencies, and disregard for
constitutionalism — is largely attributable to the enduring influence of
military culture. This essay critically examines that claim, exploring the
nature of military political culture, its impact on Nigeria’s democratic
trajectory, and other contributing factors to democratic erosion.
Understanding Military Political Culture
Military political culture refers to the norms, values, and decision-
making styles associated with armed forces leadership, typically
including:
Centralised authority and hierarchical command structures.
Discipline and obedience with limited tolerance for dissent.
Secrecy and control of information.
Use of coercion to maintain order.
Prioritisation of stability over participatory governance.
In a military environment, efficiency and unity often take precedence
over democratic principles such as inclusiveness, consultation, and civil
liberties. When military leaders transition into civilian politics without
, abandoning these habits, they risk transplanting undemocratic practices
into governance.
Historical Context: Nigeria’s Military Legacy
From the first coup in 1966 to the return to civilian rule in 1999, Nigeria
experienced repeated military interventions. Key features of these
regimes included:
1. Centralised power in the executive — The head of state wielded
unchecked authority, often sidelining legislatures and the judiciary.
2. Weak institutions — Military rule eroded the independence of
key democratic bodies.
3. Decree governance — Ruling by edicts rather than parliamentary
debate entrenched non-participatory decision-making.
4. Recycling of leaders — Many former military heads, such as
Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari, returned as civilian
presidents, bringing with them entrenched command-style
governance.
The transition to democracy in 1999 did not erase these patterns; instead,
they were rebranded under civilian institutions.
Manifestations of Military Culture in Nigeria’s Democracy
1. Authoritarian Leadership Styles
Civilian administrations led by ex-military leaders often exhibit
intolerance for opposition. Decision-making remains top-down,
with limited consultation with citizens or parliament.
2. Suppression of Civil Liberties
Crackdowns on protests, restrictions on press freedom, and
security-driven governance reflect a security-first mindset rooted
in military command.
