Nigeria: A Vigorous but Fragile Democracy

As elections approach, economic woes pose a special challenge

Get two Nigerians together and they will form three political parties: the first two so that they can both be leaders and the third as a vehicle for trying to resolve their differences. Nigerians enjoy telling that story about their penchant for politics. On a continent where military dictatorships and one-party governments are the rule, it is a refreshing reminder that black Africa's wealthiest and most populous (90 million) nation opted for a return to democracy four years ago.

The vigor of the country's...

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