THE LEGACY OF MILITARY RULE IN NIGERIA: MILITARIZED GOVERNANCE,DEMOCRATIC DEFICITS, AND IMPLICATIONS FOR NATIONAL SECURITY

Abstract

Military rule has remained a fundamental challenge to the rise of sustainable democracy in Africa. This study explores the legacy of military rule in Nigeria and its implications for national security. The aim of the study is to identify the impact of military rule on Nigeria’s democratic process and its implication for national security. The study is anchored on Huntington’s objective civilian control theory. The theoretical model offers explanation for the various military incursions into Nigeria’s politics. The theory also suggests best approaches for optimal civilian-military relations
that would make the military remain apolitical. The study employs a qualitative secondary data analysis approach. Data were drawn from peer-reviewed journals, media reports, books, government reports and historical documentaries. The study from its analyses of the various
military regime in Nigeria posits that military involvement in leadership of developing democracies like Nigeria alters political equilibrium and hamstrings the development democratic processes. The study surmises that military intervention in politics has serious national security
implication as it undermined national security by fostering institutional fragility, resource diversion, and persistent instability. It recommends the professionalism of the Nigeria military through training and doctrine reforms, institutional barriers to politics, welfare and accountability
to enhance its focus on violence management, counterterrorism, border crisis and other threats that undermine the domestic and geo-political space of Nigeria.