POLITICAL CLASS IDENTITY VERSUS CITIZENSHIP IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study interrogates the negative impacts of political class identity in Nigeria. It argues that exclusionary lifestyles and policies of political elites have created a wide gap between political elites and citizens, generating a citizenship problem in Nigerian polity. Using phenomenology as methodology, the study redefines citizenship and political class identity while challenging tendencies of class identity and corruption that weaken governance. The study concludes that the exaltation of political class identity has destructive implications for citizenship and recommends practical implementation of constitutional principles of democracy, social justice, equality, and citizen welfare.