The Civil-Military Relationship in Nigeria's Fourth Republic (1999–2025): Explaining the Military’s Non-Intervention in Politics
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Abstract
This paper examines the evolution of civil-military relations in Nigeria since the country’s return to democratic governance in 1999, following decades of military dominance punctuated by recurrent coups and authoritarian rule. It explores the factors that have disincentivized military intervention in politics despite ongoing security challenges such as insurgency, communal conflicts, and political unrest. Through a conceptual framework that clarifies civil-military relations, military intervention, and democratic consolidation, the study analyzes how institutional reforms, normative shifts within the military, public opposition to military rule, and international pressures have collectively reshaped the military’s role. Employing theoretical perspectives including Democratic Consolidation Theory, the paper highlights how the entrenchment of democratic norms, enhanced civilian control, and regional anti-coup mechanisms have fostered military restraint. The findings suggest that Nigeria’s sustained civilian supremacy over the military reflects both structural changes within the military institution and broader political and societal transformations, marking a significant step toward democratic consolidation in a historically fragile context.
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References
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