NIGERIA

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive overview of Nigeria's political landscape in preparation for the AP Comparative Government and Politics exam. It covers key topics like Nigeria's federal system, the structure of its government, and recent political history, including the transition to democratic rule and challenges such as corruption, ethnic divides, and the legacy of military rule. The video also highlights Nigeria’s struggles with religious and regional tensions, particularly between the Muslim north and Christian south, and the economic impact of its oil wealth. It also discusses key figures like Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan.

Takeaways

• 😀 Nigeria's capital is Abuja, which replaced Lagos in 1999, a decision made for better central location.
• 😀 The kidnapping of girls by Boko Haram is one of the most tragic events in Nigeria's recent history.
• 😀 Nigeria operates as a federal system, with both a central government and locally elected state governments.
• 😀 The Nigerian president, currently Muhammadu Buhari, must win a majority of votes and at least 25% in two-thirds of the states to be elected.
• 😀 Nigeria's legislature consists of a bicameral system, with a 109-member Senate and a 360-member House of Representatives.
• 😀 Nigeria's Supreme Court has 15 members, and Sharia law is prominent in about one-third of its states.
• 😀 Nigeria has over 400 ethnic groups, which makes political unity challenging. The government formed the All Progressives Congress coalition in 2015.
• 😀 Despite progress, Nigeria still faces significant issues with corruption, human rights violations, and a history of military rule.
• 😀 Prebendalism, where government officials believe they are entitled to benefit from oil revenues, is a key problem in Nigeria.
• 😀 Nigeria has high voter turnout, but elections are marred by fraud, violence, and ballot box tampering.

Q & A

What is the significance of Abuja being chosen as Nigeria's capital?

Abuja was chosen as the capital in 1999, primarily for its central location, which was intended to be more neutral compared to Lagos. This shift aimed to bridge the gap between the country's Muslim-majority north and Christian-majority south.

How did the 2015 presidential election in Nigeria mark a historical event?

The 2015 presidential election in Nigeria was the first peaceful transfer of power in the country’s history, where Goodluck Jonathan, the incumbent president, peacefully conceded defeat to Muhammadu Buhari.

How does Nigeria's federal system differ from the U.S. system?

While Nigeria has a federal system similar to the United States, it differs in the requirement for the president to win not only a majority of the national vote but also at least 25% of the votes in two-thirds of Nigeria's 36 states.

What is the issue with the distribution of Nigeria's oil revenue?

Though Nigeria's economy heavily relies on oil revenue, about 80% of the wealth from oil goes to the federal government. This centralization of wealth makes it difficult for local state governments to generate revenue and address local needs.

What are the main functions of Nigeria's legislature?

Nigeria's legislature is bicameral, consisting of the House of Representatives with 360 members and the Senate with 109 members. Legislators are elected by plurality, and the Senate has three representatives per state, with one from Abuja. However, corruption within the legislature is widespread.

How does Nigeria’s political system address religious and ethnic divisions?

Nigeria's political system has struggled with deep religious and ethnic divides. The northern part of the country is predominantly Muslim, while the south is largely Christian. The requirement for a presidential candidate to secure 25% of votes in two-thirds of the states is partly aimed at addressing these divisions.

What is 'prebendalism' and how does it affect Nigeria’s political system?

Prebendalism is the practice where government officials feel entitled to use state resources, particularly oil revenue, for personal gain. This has led to widespread corruption and the mismanagement of public funds in Nigeria.

How does Sharia law impact Nigeria’s legal system?

Sharia law is implemented in some northern Nigerian states, creating a dual legal system alongside the secular courts. While not all states apply Sharia law, it remains a significant legal influence in regions with Muslim-majority populations.

What challenges does Nigeria face in promoting democracy?

Despite having a freer press and electing a president directly, Nigeria still faces significant challenges in promoting democracy due to high levels of corruption, the dominance of prebendalism, ethnic and religious divisions, and human rights violations.

What role does Boko Haram play in Nigeria's current challenges?

Boko Haram, a radical Islamic terrorist group, has been responsible for widespread violence, including the kidnapping of schoolgirls. Their actions have severely impacted Nigeria's security and stability, adding to the country's political and social issues.