Political Anger: The Basis for Contemporary Lack of Civility in Nigerian Politics

Abstract

The incidence of political anger and its dynamics calls for concern in the political arena. It has left in its trail all forms of casualties and threat to political and democratic stability in Nigeria. This paper argued that high stakes in politics, limited avenues for ventilating anger, the tendency to focus on majority ethnic groups while leaving the minority, conflict of interest and personality among political elites, the structural dysfunction of political parties, the nature of electoral process, institutional collaboration amongst others are responsible for political anger. It further argued that violence and other forms of negative political behaviors particularly during elections are the manifestation of political anger. The consequences are enormous and are both on the individual and nation. Methodologically, the article relies on secondary data for its analysis and concluded by suggesting measures that can be taken to minimize political anger in the polity.