APPRAISAL OF POLITICAL LEADERSHIP CRISIS AND GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF KADUNA STATE (2015-2023)

Abstract

Political leadership crisis has remained a persistent challenge to effective governance and national development in Nigeria since the return of democratic rule in 1999. The crisis manifests in the form of godfatherism, electoral violence, corruption, lack of accountability, policy inconsistency and weak institutions all of which undermine the capacity of government to deliver democratic dividends to citizens. This study appraises the political leadership crisis and governance in Nigeria with specific focus on Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023. The study relied on both primary and secondary data. The findings reveal that political leadership crisis in Kaduna State is driven by monetization of politics, weak internal party democracy, godfatherism and the personalization of power. The study concludes that political leadership crisis remains a major impediment to good governance and sustainable development in Kaduna State. It recommends the strengthening of democratic institutions, electoral and party reforms, and promotion of accountability, transparent and political education to foster responsible leadership.