Abstract
Developing democracies are typically among the world’s most corrupt and politically unequal countries where participation in government has become the exclusive right of a few elites. Many, like Nigeria, lack the strong and effective political institutions required to support democratic consolidation and economic development. However, as experience has shown, it is not easy to establish such institutions in Nigeria because of the low level of political engagement and literacy. Research has shown that community-driven development and civic education programs have struggled to encourage broad-based political engagement in the country. Similarly, political information and interventions in the country have failed to increase political engagement as many Nigerians, particularly the youth, remain apolitical and, therefore, outside the key decision-making processes. This attitude is dangerous for democracy sustenance because civic engagement in the political process and electoral participation are necessary for the prosperity of democracy. This attitude, however, is not a happenchance; it is fueled by citizens’ disappointment and frustration with the pattern of government inaction and corruption that have characterised political governance since independence. Because of this, the citizens feel there is no benefit in dedicating their valuable time and resources to political actions that yield little or no dividends. To ensure that democracy survives in Nigeria, the paper recommends, among other things, strict adherence to constitutional provisions, especially in the conduct of elections, youth empowerment through innovative and catalytic projects to inform public policy-making, training them as effective leaders, extending access to justice and fairness in the political system and eliminating corruption that will ensure that national resources are used for the common good.