Abstract
Across Nigeria, democracy has been celebrated as a framework for freedom, representation, and societal progress. Yet, the country continues to grapple with recurring political conflicts, electoral violence, economic hardship, and civic unrest. Why do democratic ideals often falter in Nigeria despite repeated electoral exercises and institutional reforms? This question underscores the persistent tension between human nature and democratic governance, suggesting that the roots of instability may lie as much in human behavior as in institutional weaknesses. Using an analytic method, this study examined Nigeria’s democratic struggles through the philosophical lens of Thomas Hobbes, particularly his assertion that “man is a wolf to man.” The analysis integrated contemporary events including the 2023 general elections, the PDP primaries between Wike and Atiku, the 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests, rising economic hardship, and security challenges to illustrate how competition, fear, and self-interest manifest in political life. The findings reveal that many challenges in Nigeria’s democracy such as vote buying, electoral manipulation, political rivalries, and civic unrest reflect the Hobbesian view of human nature. Self-interest, ambition, and the pursuit of survival often drive both political actors and citizens, generating conflict and instability. In conclusion, Nigeria’s democratic struggles cannot be understood solely as institutional failures; they are also deeply connected to human tendencies that require regulation through strong governance, civic responsibility, and ethical leadership. The study recommends strengthening democratic institutions, improving security, promoting civic education, ensuring transparency, and encouraging constructive youth participation to transform these challenges into opportunities for political stability and sustainable national development.