Nigeria and the United States of America are two countries that are physically separate and have different cultures, but they share one thing: they both have democracies. Although the two countries are very different from one another in a number of respects, their respective democracies share a number of characteristics. This post will examine ten striking similarities between Nigerian and American democracies.
1. Nigeria and America: Octogenarian Presidents
Both Nigeria and America have presidents who are octogenarians. President Muhammadu Buhari was born on December 17, 1942 (80 years old), while his American counterpart, President Joe Biden was born on November 20, 1942 (80 years old).
Coincidentally, both presidents took over from younger predecessors: Nigeria’s former President, Goodluck Jonathan is 65 years old and was born on November 20, 1957, while the immediate past president of the United States of America, Donald Trump is 76, having been born on June 14, 1946
2. Separation of Powers
Both Nigeria and the USA have a system of government that is based on the separation of powers. This means that the government is divided into three branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. This ensures that no one branch has too much power and that there are checks and balances in place to prevent any abuse of power.
3. Federal System
Both Nigeria and the USA have a federal system of government, which means that power is shared between the central government and the states. This ensures that the states have a certain level of autonomy and can make decisions that are best suited to their local needs.
4. Regular Elections
Both Nigeria and the USA have regular elections that are held at fixed intervals. In Nigeria, presidential and legislative elections are held every four years, while in the USA, presidential and congressional elections are held every four years.
5. Universal Suffrage
Both Nigeria and the USA have universal suffrage, which means that all adult citizens are entitled to vote in elections. This ensures that everyone has a say in how the country is governed.
6. Political Party System
Both Nigeria and the USA have political party systems and structures. This means that there are several political parties that contest power in elections. This ensures that there is healthy competition and that citizens have a choice of at least, two candidates to choose from.
7. Independent Electoral Commission
Both Nigeria and the USA have an independent electoral commission that is responsible for conducting free and fair elections. This ensures that elections are conducted in a transparent manner and that the results are credible.
8. Constitution
Both Nigeria and the USA have a written constitution that sets out the framework for their respective democracies. The constitution outlines the rights and responsibilities of citizens, the structure of government, and the limits on government power.
9. Bill of Rights
Both Nigeria and the USA have a bill of rights that outlines the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens. This ensures that citizens are protected from any infringement of their rights by the government.
10. Judiciary
Both Nigeria and the USA have a judiciary that is independent of the other branches of government. This ensures that there is a system of checks and balances in place and that the judiciary can act as a check on the power of the executive and legislative branches.
Final Thoughts
Having discussed the major similarities, let’s also mention one point which could have been the 11th similarity, which is Free Press. Yes, Asides similarities, Nigeria and America also have a big difference I their democracies, which happens to be an anti-climax.
By the constitution of both countries, Nigeria and the USA should have free press. This means that, the countries should have a fourth estate of the realm which is supposed to complete a quartet of the executive, legislative, judiciary and the press “arms of government”. However, unlike the United States of America which currently practises a free press system, such cannot be said about Nigeria.
The Nigerian government of former military dictator, General Muhammadu Buhari has time and time again, displayed his disrespect for press freedom. Having severally shut down media outlets for alleged infractions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation (NBC)’s code. In 2021, Buhari also placed a ban on the popular social networking platform, Twitter, after the platform took down one of his posts for allegedly going against its community standards.
It is expected that Nigeria should have a free press that is able to report on government activities without fear of reprisal. This should ensure that citizens are informed about government activities and that there is transparency in government.
It remains to be seen if the acclaimed giant of Africa will have a change of direction in the next dispensation which will succeed Buhari’s military-styled regime.