Democracy: Its Meaning and Dissenting Opinions of the Political Class in Nigeria: A Philosophical Approach

Abstract

The nascent democracy in Nigeria is plagued with myriad of intrigues, discordant opinions of the political class.  The reason is not farfetched.  Every political party sees its manifesto and plans of action as the best for the citizenry. They elbow each other in the process of garnering political recognition and vibrancy.  Their unhealthy rivalry only heat up the polity.  How be it some Nigerians see these political dissent as a necessary tool to a sound democratic process.  They argue that dissenting voices amongst the political class are necessary since a democratic process would never be devoid of antagonism and democracy would never thrive on rational consensus.  This paper seeks to define democracy, explore the dissenting opinions of the political class which many say attempt to make or mar the democratic process in Nigeria.  The study would further examine the role of the media in fast tracking the entire democratization process with a view to ascertaining whether the practice of democracy in Nigeria is in tandem with acceptable practices in the well recognized democracies of the world.  Finally, the paper would proffer possible solutions and make necessary recommendations that would help deepen true democratic culture in Nigeria.

Key words, democracy, politics, dissent, mass media, democratization process.