Role of Sit-Tight Syndrome in Undermining Democratic Institutions in Nigeria: A Governance Perspective
Main Article Content
Abstract
This research paper investigates the role of the "sit-tight syndrome" in undermining democratic institutions in Nigeria from a governance perspective. Despite Nigeria's transition to democratic rule in 1999, the persistence of this syndrome—characterized by political leaders' attempts to extend their tenures beyond legitimate limits—has systematically weakened key democratic institutions such as the judiciary and electoral management bodies. The study reveals that sit-tight syndrome manifests through various mechanisms, including electoral manipulation, suppression of opposition, and the use of state resources to maintain political dominance, leading to a significant decline in electoral integrity and political participation. Findings indicate a troubling trend of increasing voter apathy, exemplified by the lowest voter turnout recorded in the 2023 elections, and a detrimental impact on governance outcomes, including service delivery failures and heightened corruption. The research employs a theoretical framework that integrates elite theory, institutional path dependency, and democratic consolidation theory to elucidate the mechanisms through which sit-tight syndrome perpetuates itself and exacerbates Nigeria’s democratic challenges. The study concludes with actionable recommendations aimed at addressing constitutional vulnerabilities, enhancing institutional integrity, and fostering civic engagement, underscoring the necessity for a cultural transformation in political accountability and participation to ensure the future stability of Nigeria's democracy.
Article Details
References
Acemoglu, D., & Robinson, J. A. (2019). The narrow corridor: States, societies, and the fate of liberty. Penguin Press.
Adekunle, T. (2022). Judicial appointments and political influence in Nigeria's Fourth Republic. Journal of African Law, 66(2), 245-268.
Agbaje, A., & Adebanwi, W. (2019). Beyond the third term: Politics of constitutional amendment in Nigeria. African Affairs, 118(471), 312-341.
Aiyede, E. R. (2021). Legislative-executive relations and democratic governance in Nigeria. Journal of Legislative Studies, 27(3), 412-435.
Albert, I. O. (2021). Godfatherism and political succession in Nigeria. African Studies Review, 64(1), 78-102.
Amadi, G. C. (2025). Sit-Tight Syndrome and Democratic Governance: The Nigerian Experience. International Journal of Institutional Leadership, Policy and Management, 7(4), 724-737.
Amadi, L., & Nwosu, B. (2020). Judicial independence and electoral justice in Nigeria. Journal of African Elections, 19(1), 89-114.
Ayoade, J. (2019). Power and patronage in Nigerian politics. Spectrum Books.
Bratton, M. (2020). Incumbency advantage and electoral manipulation in Africa. Comparative Politics, 52(4), 567-589.
Carbone, G. (2020). The resilience of authoritarianism in Africa. Democratization, 27(5), 823-841.
Cheeseman, N. (2016). Democracy in Africa: Successes, failures, and the struggle for political reform. Cambridge University Press.
Dahl, R. A. (2020). On democracy. Yale University Press.
Diamond, L. (1999). Developing democracy: Toward consolidation. Johns Hopkins University Press.
Diamond, L. (2018). Nigeria's democratic struggles: Four republics in search of democracy. Lynne Rienner Publishers.
EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission). (2023). 2023 election monitoring report. EFCC Publications.
Falola, T., & Heaton, M. M. (2022). A history of Nigeria. Cambridge University Press.
Grindle, M. S. (2017). Good governance, development theory, and development policy. World Development, 32(11), 1789-1805.
Gyimah-Boadi, E. (2020). Africa's democratic recession. Journal of Democracy, 31(2), 132-146.
Human Rights Watch. (2023). Nigeria: Elections 2023 – Democracy on the brink. HRW Publications.
Ibrahim, J., & Ibeanu, O. (2021). Electoral management and democratic consolidation in Nigeria. African Journal of Political Science, 12(2), 45-68.
Kemp, R., Parto, S., & Gibson, R. B. (2005). Governance for sustainable development. Journal of Environmental Policy & Planning, 7(2), 79-103.
Levitsky, S., & Way, L. A. (2010). Competitive authoritarianism: Hybrid regimes after the Cold War. Cambridge University Press.
Levitsky, S., & Ziblatt, D. (2018). How democracies die. Crown Publishing.
Linz, J. J., & Stepan, A. (1996). Problems of democratic transition and consolidation. Johns Hopkins University Press.
Mahoney, J. (2010). Colonialism and postcolonial development: Spanish America in comparative perspective. Cambridge University Press.
Maiwada, A. A., Aondover, P. O., Adewale, O. C., Falobi, F., & Onyejelem, T. E. (2025). Public Relations and Media Role in Peace Building in Nigeria. Budapest International Research and Critics Institute-Journal (BIRCI-Journal), 8(1), 45-58.
Michels, R. (1911). Political parties: A sociological study of the oligarchical tendencies of modern democracy.
Nwanegbo, C. J. & Odigbo, J. (2013). Security and National Development in Nigeria. The Threat of Boko-Haram. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 3(4), 285-391.
Nzongola-Ntalaja G (2006). Democratic Transition in Africa”, J. Const. Dev. 6:1 Increasing Returns, Path Dependence, and the Study of Politics
Oladoyin, A. (2019). Sit-tight governance and the question of democratic consolidation in Africa. Safari Books.
Olukoju, A. (2016). Sit-tight syndrome and tenure elongation in African politics. Lagos Historical Review, 14(1), 117-128.
Onyejelem, T. E., Aondover, P. O., Maradun, L. U., Chime-Nganya, C. R., & Akin-Odukoya, O. O. (2024). Media and Pictorial Reportage of Boko Haram Insurgency in Nigeria. Konfrontasi: Jurnal Kultural, Ekonomi dan Perubahan Sosial, 11(4), 287-299.
Oreoluwa, P. A., Vitalis, P. O., Nneka, A. Q., Collins-Dike, J., & Ridwan, M. (2024). Online Harassment of Female Journalist in Lagos State. Polit Journal Scientific Journal of Politics, 4(3), 162-174.
Ozohu-Suleiman A. Democracy, good governance and development in Nigeria. Journal of Public Administration and Policy Research. Vol. 8(7) pp. 80-88, Nov. 2016
Pierson P. The American Political Science Review Vol. 94, No. 2 (Jun., 2000), pp. 251-267 17 pages
Rosenje M. O., Onyebuchi U. J., & Adeniyi O. P. (2021) Tenure Elongation And Democratic Consolidation In Africa: Lessons from The 2021 Coup d’état In Guinea. Benue Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies (BENJOPECS) vol 9 Issue 5 pg. 253 – 273
Schedler, A. (2015). The politics of uncertainty: Sustaining and subverting electoral authoritarianism. Oxford University Press.
Umeh, N. (2021). Godfatherism and political succession in Nigeria. Review of Politics and Governance, 7(1), 73-91.
Vitalis, P. O., Aondover, E. M., Ogunbola, O., Onyejelem, T. E., & Ridwan, M. (2025). Accessing Digital Divide and Implications in Nigeria: The Media Dimension. Budapest International Research and Critics Institute-Journal (BIRCI-Journal), 8(1), 1-12.
Vitalis, P. O., Onyejelem, T. E., & Okuneye, A. P. (2023). Understanding advertising in the era of social media. Information System and Smart City, 3(1), 502-502.