Juxtaposing Nigeria's federal-presidential system and the United States (us): Implications of Nigeria's political system on its political stability

Abstract The study, juxtaposing Nigeria's federal-presidential system and the United States: Implications of Nigeria's political system on its political stability, delves into the discourse of the issues surrounding Nigeria's political system, highlighting similarities and differences between the political systems of both countries. The study states that issues like demand for restructuring, resource control, over overcentralization are associated with deficiencies in Nigeria's federal structure. Same with the presidential system, which is stifled by a powerful, dominating executive with little or no checks from the other branches of government, including also an over-bloated and one of the most expensive run executives in the world. The study acknowledges the fact that though both countries operate the same political system with basic tenets, processes, and operations. However, the United States (US) has maintained and strengthened its political systems and stability than Nigeria over time. The study adopts the systems theory as its framework of analysis. The method of study is qualitative using historical research. Findings reveal that discontent and disenchantment of citizens over the failure of the political system to provide the much-needed democratic dividends have led many Nigerian citizens to alienate self from politics, while there exists a leadership hijack of the political process amongst other problems. The study recommended that a change of political system is not the answer to Nigeria's political crisis, rather a consensus agreement on constitutional review and commitment to the existing political system, and the aim of good governance by the ruling class. Key words: Presidential system, Political Stability, Social development, Sustainable development