Political Pluralism, Constructive Engagement And Good Governance In Nigeria

Abstract

The search for good governance in Nigeria is a desideratum. Nigerians have suffered and will continue to suffer in the midst of plenty unless better ways of achieving good governance in the country are ascertained. This paper explores possible ways of employing political pluralism and constructive engagement of the government by the opposition, civil society organizations, pressure groups and the electorates against the background of a ‘know-it-all approach’ to governance by the party in power. In fact, for a more effective, responsive and accountable governance to take place in Nigeria, there is need for increased participation of different stakeholders in the governance process for improved development outcomes. This is because all are affected by policy outcomes of government and Nigerians can no longer afford to stay aloof when their destinies are mortgaged. The study employs the documentary method of data collection while using structural functionalism as a theoretical framework for analysis. The study discovers that making political office holders accountable by all stakeholders through constructive engagement improves the governance process. It therefore recommends that all hands must be on deck to salvage Nigeria from the maladministration of political charlatans.