UKO, MFON G.
Department of Public Administration
Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic
Ikot Osurua, Ikot Ekpene
Nigeria.
Abstract
Literature on the politics of military intervention and transition programs in Nigeria has attracted several attentions globally.
Constitutionally, the role of the Armed Forces in any democratic society is not to engage in governance but rather to discharge
their constitutionally required obligations of protecting the society against internal crises and external insurrection. Since
independence, most African countries have experienced a series of military regimes, of which Nigeria is not an exception. This has threatened the country’s already weak democratic system due to the dictatorial and autocratic nature of military leadership styles. However, after capturing power, most military regimes come up with transition programs of relinquishing power to civilian-elected governments, of which the Babangida regime is inclusive. Obviously, in most cases, the reverse has been the case, as the process is normally politicized to ensure their continued stay in office. The aim of this study is to appraise Babangida’s military transition programs and“democratic consolidation in Nigeria. To achieve the objective of the study, the paper adopted historical and descriptive research methods, and data were drawn with the aid of secondary sources. The elite theory was adopted as an analytical framework. The major findings of the study revealed, among others, that the problem of underdevelopment and political instability in Nigeria today results from long-term military involvement in the nation’s politics. Based on the above findings, the paper recommended thereformation of the military to enhance its professionalism. Thiswill help the institution to be effective and non-political while discharging its constitutional obligations. Accordingly, the civilian political class should disengage from corrupt practices and extol the ethics of good governance in order to avoid subsequent military coups, as this has always been the case for military intervention in politics.“Keywords: military intervention, military government, military disengagement, democratic transition, and democratic consolidation.
African Journal of International Politics and Diplomacy Vol.8 No. 1&2 © 2022 by The Development Universal Consortia. All Rights Reserved