Nigerian Politics Vocabulary

Flashcards containing vocabulary terms and definitions related to Nigerian politics and history.

Sani Abacha

A Nigerian military officer who served as the country’s military ruler from 1993 until his death in 1998.

Atiku Abubakar

A Nigerian politician and businessman who served as Vice President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007 and has been a prominent figure in Nigerian politics.

ANC

The African National Congress, a political party in South Africa that was the ruling party after the end of apartheid, advocating for racial equality and social justice.

Ibrahim Babangida

A former Nigerian military ruler who served as president from 1985 to 1993, known for his shift towards a mixed economy and flexible political system.

Biafra

A region in southeastern Nigeria that attempted to secede from Nigeria and led to the Nigerian Civil War (Biafran War) from 1967 to 1970.

Muhammudu Buhari

A Nigerian politician and retired Major General who has served as the President of Nigeria since 2015, previously ruling the country as a military leader in the 1980s.

Civil society

A sector of society composed of organizations and institutions that operate independently of the government and represent various interests, values, and communities.

Constitutionalism

The principle that government authority is derived from and limited by a body of fundamental law, often encapsulated in a constitution.

Corporatism

A political or economic system where various interest groups or organizations (like businesses and labor unions) collaborate with the government to formulate policies.

CPC

The Congress for Progressive Change, a political party in Nigeria that was formed in 2010, and later merged to become part of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Cultural diffusion

The spread of cultural beliefs, practices, and items from one society to another through various means, such as trade, migration, or communication.

Federal character

A principle in Nigeria's constitution aimed at ensuring equitable representation of the country's diverse ethnic groups in government appointments.

Hausa-Fulani

A major ethnic group in Nigeria formed from the amalgamation of the Hausa and Fulani ethnicities, predominantly located in the northern part of the country.

Ife

An ancient city in Nigeria, considered the spiritual home of the Yoruba people, known for its historical significance and rich cultural heritage.

Igbo

A major ethnic group in southeastern Nigeria known for its distinct language, culture, and contributions to Nigeria's economy and politics.

Indirect rule

A colonial administration system where local rulers maintain authority under colonial oversight, allowing for some continuity of traditional governance structures.

Informal economy

Economic activities that occur outside government regulation and taxation, often characterized by small-scale, unregistered businesses and informal employment.

INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission, the body responsible for overseeing and conducting elections in Nigeria.

Jihad

An Arabic term meaning "struggle" or "striving," often associated with religiously motivated endeavors, encompassing both personal and collective efforts to uphold Islam.

Goodluck Jonathan

The former President of Nigeria, who served from 2010 to 2015, coming to power following the death of Umaru Yar’Adua.

Kanuri

An ethnic group primarily found in northeastern Nigeria, known for its distinct language and historical kingdom of Borno.

Kinship-based politics

A political structure where familial and clan ties play a pivotal role in governance and political allegiance, often influencing leadership and decision-making.

Loyalty pyramid

A hierarchical system in which loyalty is structured such that lower levels support those above them in exchange for benefits and protection.

Military in barracks

A term indicating a scenario where military personnel are not involved in the political affairs of the country, confined to their military duties.

Military in government

A situation where military leaders take control of governmental functions and authority, often through coups or authoritarian rule.

National Assembly

The bicameral legislative body in Nigeria, which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives responsible for making laws.

National question

A term used to describe the challenges of nation-building, particularly in multi-ethnic states like Nigeria, including issues of governance and representation.

Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs)

Non-profit groups that operate independently from government control and are often involved in various social, humanitarian, and developmental activities.

Olusegun Obasanjo

A former Nigerian military leader and politician who served as Nigeria’s President from 1999 to 2007, known for his efforts to promote democracy.

Oyo

A historical city and the capital of Oyo State in southwestern Nigeria, significant in the history of the Yoruba people and their cultural heritage.

Para-statals

Government-owned corporations or agencies that operate in the commercial sector, typically in industries such as utilities or transportation.

Patrimonialism

A form of governance where authority is derived from personal loyalty and familial ties as opposed to formal institutional systems, leading to potential corruption.

Patron-client system (prebendalism)

A political system where political leaders provide favors and benefits to their clients in exchange for loyalty and support, often along ethnic or religious lines.

PDP

The People’s Democratic Party, a major political party in Nigeria that has historically been one of the dominant political forces in the country.

Plurality vote

A voting system where the candidate with the most votes wins, even if they do not achieve an absolute majority of the votes.

Rents, rent-seeking

Economic gains obtained through the manipulation of the political environment rather than through productive economic activities, often leading to inefficiencies.

Revenue sharing

The allocation of revenue collected by a government to different levels of government or stakeholders, aiming to distribute economic resources more equitably.

Rule of law

The principle that all individuals and institutions are accountable to the law, which should be applied equally and fairly, ensuring justice and order.

Ken Saro-Wiwa

A Nigerian environmental activist and writer known for his opposition to the oil practices of multinational corporations in the Niger Delta, executed in 1995.

Sharia

Islamic law derived from the Quran and Hadith, governing both personal and communal conduct, and often controversial in secular states.

Sokoto Caliphate

A historic Islamic state founded in the early 19th century in what is now northern Nigeria, known for its significant cultural and religious influence.

State corporatism

A political system where the government controls and coordinates interest groups and organizations to serve its political and economic agenda.

Structural adjustment program

Economic policy reforms implemented by governments, often in collaboration with international financial institutions, aimed at restructuring an economy to encourage growth.

Transparency International

A global non-governmental organization dedicated to combating corruption and promoting transparency and accountability in government and business.

True federalism movement

A political movement in Nigeria advocating for a more balanced distribution of power and resources between the federal government and states.

Umaru Yar’Adua

A Nigerian politician who served as President from 2007 until his death in 2010, known for promoting rule of law and anti-corruption efforts.

Yoruba

One of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria, primarily found in the southwestern region, known for their rich culture, language, and history.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Current President of Nigeria. He took office in May 2023 and is a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, having previously served as Governor of Lagos State. He is in the All Progressives Congress party.