Thesis Abstract

The rule of law is a fundamental principle that underpins the effective functioning of any democratic society. In the context of Nigerian politics, the rule of law plays a crucial role in ensuring accountability, transparency, and the protection of citizens' rights. This research project aims to explore the relationship between the rule of law and Nigerian politics, with a focus on how adherence to the rule of law can help address governance challenges in the country. Nigeria has a long history of political instability, corruption, and human rights abuses. These issues are often attributed to a lack of respect for the rule of law and weak institutional frameworks. By examining the role of the rule of law in Nigerian politics, this research seeks to uncover how strengthening legal institutions and promoting the rule of law can contribute to good governance and sustainable development in the country. The research will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative analysis of legal frameworks and institutions with quantitative data on governance indicators in Nigeria. Through interviews with key stakeholders, including government officials, legal experts, civil society representatives, and members of the public, the study will gather insights into the challenges and opportunities for upholding the rule of law in Nigerian politics. One of the key objectives of the research is to identify specific areas where the rule of law is being undermined in Nigerian politics and to propose policy recommendations for strengthening legal institutions and promoting a culture of legality in the country. By highlighting the importance of the rule of law in promoting good governance, the study aims to raise awareness among policymakers, civil society organizations, and the general public about the need to prioritize legal reform and institutional strengthening in Nigeria. Overall, this research project seeks to contribute to the existing literature on the rule of law and Nigerian politics by providing a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities for upholding the rule of law in the country. By shedding light on the importance of legal reform and institutional strengthening, the study aims to support efforts to promote the rule of law as a cornerstone of democratic governance in Nigeria.

Thesis Overview

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The research topic – “the rule of law and Nigerian politics”, is an interesting topic to me, in the sense that this is a topic that can be viewed from two angles; firstly, it has an aspect that has to do with law, and the other with the study of political science.

Interestingly therefore, the topic suggests a blend on an aspect of law with that of political science, with a view to help addressing a social phenomena in the political or administrative scene of our nation Nigeria, as it here applied.

The researcher, though of the political science background, is concerned, with the findings of how studies in this inter-married discipline as the topic suggest, will help proffers the desired solution(s) to the many conflicting and contending issues that bedeviled the political landscape of the Nigeria Nation, thereby helping to achieve possible political stability and developments.

As noted earlier, the researcher being of the political science and public administration background, his approach to this study will be more in the area of the administrative implications, of the research topic, in the Nation’s body polities.

Against this background therefore, it is pertinent to give meaning to the research topic before us, which can be broken into two major parts, namely:

 

i. The Rule of Law

 

 

ii. Nigeria Polities