Machiavellism and Political Power in Nigeria: Implications to the Nation’s Political System

Abstract

This work accentuated that Machiavellism, ‘a political philosophy that emphasizes the pursuit and maintenance of power as the primary objective of political leaders with total exclusion of morality,’ has dominated the spheres of politics in Nigeria.  Politics all over the world is a game expected to be played by the rule and with some degrees of decorum among politicians who are the key actors.  Unfortunately, this is not the case in Nigeria, where politics is rather seen as a do or die affair. The standard of good politics is seen to be abandoned and politicians have assumed a dangerous dimension in their struggle for power with total disregard for morality. The research aimed at examining the influence of Machiavellian morality of power control in the State and the effect of the struggle for control of political power in Nigerian political system. Using analytical, historical and comparative approaches and the services of secondary sources of data collection, the work discovered that trust and morality have been eroded in the political system, which has given room to corruption, nepotism, authoritarianism, instability and conflict in the Nation’s political system, given its embrace of Machiavellian political views. The authors recommended that, upholding of the rule and supremacy of the law, respect for Fundamental Human Rights and dignity, will create a healthy political system; and where separation of powers, free and fair elections, will be of help to the democratic practices in Nigeria. Therefore, a more inclusive, transparent and accountable approach to governance can help build trust, legitimacy, and stability in Nigeria.    

Keywords: Machiavellism, Political Power, Political System, Nigeria, Morality