International records / OpenAlex research

Political Patronage and Political Stability in Nigeria: Problems and Prospects

Political patronage remains a defining feature of Nigeria’s political landscape, shaping both governance outcomes and the trajectory of political stability. This article critically examines the complex relationship between political patronage and political stability in Nigeria, interrogating whether patronage serves as a mechanism for cohesion or a catalyst for systemic fragility. Drawing on qualitative analysis and existing literature, the study situates patronage within broader frameworks of clientelism, prebendalism, and elite bargaining. It argues that while political patronage can foster …