ABUSE OF POLITICAL PROCESSES AMONG ELITES IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The study investigated abuse of democratic processes to political participation by the elite in Nigeria. Five research questions were used to guide the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design with a sample of 150 respondents selected through simple random sampling techniques. A structured type of questionnaire was used as the instrument which had two (2) sections. Data collected through the research instruments were analyzed using frequency and simple percentages. The result of the findings revealed that democracy improves the quality of decision-making and provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts among others. It was concluded that political elites have been abusing democratic governance in Nigeria and they have equally been influencing the level of political participation. Based on the findings and conclusion of the study, it was recommended that good and responsible representation must be encouraged from the grassroots, representatives politically elected must be held accountable by the people, and better public participation be encouraged to carry the people along.