Democratic Backsliding in Nigeria: An Analysis of Domestic and International Influences on Institutional Resilience, 1999-2025

This paper analyzes the case of democratic backsliding in Nigeria (1999-2025) and how domestic and external factors interact to create institutional resilience. Although Nigeria has returned to civilian rule in 1999, the country has continued to witness the erosion of democratic principles, which have taken various forms such as executive excesses, undermined elections, poor legislative checks and balances, and intermittent judicial independence. The research used a descriptive qualitative approach, involving a content analysis to understand the causes of democratic erosion and the processes that preserve institutional resilience. It is grounded on the Institutional Resilience Theory, which is complemented with the Democratic Backsliding Theory and Liberal Institutionalism, which offers an analytical perspective of evaluating the ability of the Nigerian institutions to stand against internal and external forces and still stay legitimate. Results indicated that domestic influences such as executive supremacy, systemic corruption, socio-economic inequality and weak legislative and judicial checks and balances are strong undermining forces of democratic consolidation. The normative guidance, technical assistance, and capacity-building interventions offered by international actors (ECOWAS, the African Union, the United Nations, and election observation missions) partially enhance the performance of institutions. Nevertheless, their influence is limited by domestic political opposition, partial compliance, and sovereignty issues. The research also shows differences in institutional resilience: institutions like INEC and the judiciary exhibit procedural continuity yet are functionally weak because of political interference, resource limitations, and procedural delays. The paper finds that sustainable democratic resilience in Nigeria lies in strengthening core institutions, improving electoral integrity, encouraging civic participation, and strategic international collaboration that strengthens legitimacy without compromising sovereignty. It suggests enhancing institutional independence, enhancing control systems, enhancing civic engagement and harmonizing international assistance with national governance needs.