A REVIEW OF DEMOCRACY AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT A CASE STUDY OF BUHARI ADMINISTRATION (2015-2019)

ABSTRACT: This study was carried out to examine the concept of democracy and its relation to national development. Specifically the President Buhari-led administration was examined. The study sought to elucidate the problems of democracy in Nigeria and the policies that could foster national development. The study employed the survey method and a total of 80 respondents from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were enrolled in the survey. Using the likert-scale method, the findings revealed that ethnic and tribal conflicts, religious divisions, resource allocation and corruption are among the significant obstacles of democracy in Nigeria. Further findings reveals that the Buhari-led administration has not been effective in implementing and enforcing policies and laws that could foster national development, such as human right laws, business and investment policies, educational policies and security mandates. The findings also showed that there is no positive relationship between democracy and national development in the Buhari-led administration. The study recommends drastic implementation of laws and policies that would foster national development, it is the position of this study that if the connection between democracy and national development in the Buhari-led administration will be effective, then leadership must be right.