This study examines the relationship between multi-party politics and democratic consolidation in Nigeria, with emphasis on democratic backsliding between 2023 and 2026. Although the return to civilian rule in 1999 fostered expectations of political stability, institutional development, and accountable governance, Nigeria’s democratic process continues to face persistent challenges. Democratic Consolidation Theory, supported by Rational Choice Institutionalism, provides the analytical framework. Adopting a qualitative research design, the study relies on secondary data from textbooks, journal articles, government publications, newspapers, court records, and reports of electoral and civil society organisations. The study explores how electoral irregularities, political defections, weak opposition parties, executive interference, judicial controversies, insecurity, voter suppression, and declining public trust have undermined democratic consolidation. It also argues that the proliferation of political parties and shifting political alignments have contributed to policy inconsistency, legislative conflicts, weak intergovernmental coordination, and ineffective implementation of national development programmes .Findings reveal that while the multi-party system has expanded political participation and representation, institutional weaknesses, elite dominance, ideological inconsistency, party fragmentation, weak enforcement of anti-defection laws, and electoral malpractice continue to weaken democratic governance. The study concludes that strengthening electoral institutions, enforcing anti-defection provisions, promoting internal party democracy, and enhancing civic participation are essential for reversing democratic backsliding and consolidating democracy in Nigeria.
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