Corruption Political Party System and Nigerian Democracy An Historical Analysis from 1960 – 2019

The paper analyzes the relationship between corruption, the political party system, and democracy in Nigeria from 1960 to 2019, emphasizing the detrimental impact of political elitism and corruption on socio-economic development and democratic consolidation. It critiques the political landscape marked by election rigging, violence, and ethnic politics, arguing that political parties often serve personal wealth accumulation rather than national interest. The study incorporates theoretical frameworks like social learning theory, highlighting that the persistence of corruption in Nigeria is rooted in cultural and social factors that perpetuate unethical political behavior.