AN ASSESSMENT ON THE IMPACT OF COLONIALISM ON MODERN POLITICAL SYSTEMS IN NIGERIA, 1960-2015.

ABSTRACT This study critically examines the enduring impact of colonialism on Nigeria’s modern political system between 1960 and 2015. Despite gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria’s postcolonial political landscape has remained deeply influenced by colonial administrative structures, legal frameworks, and governance ideologies. The research explores how British colonial rule shaped Nigeria’s federalism, electoral processes, civil service, and political culture, often embedding ethnic divisions and centralized authority that persist in contemporary governance. Through historical analysis and political theory, the study highlights the continuity of colonial legacies in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, military interventions, and institutional challenges. It argues that while Nigeria has made strides in political development, the colonial imprint continues to affect its quest for stable, inclusive, and accountable governance. The findings underscore the need to deconstruct inherited systems and foster indigenous political innovations that reflect Nigeria’s diverse socio-cultural realities.