NASARA JOURNAL OF PHILOSOPHY

Nigeria's democracy teeters on the edge of potential and disillusionment, plagued by corruption, weak public Nparticipation, and ethno-religious divisions. Towards Assessing Jurgen Habermas' Deliberative Democracy and Its Propensity to Enrich Nigerian Democracy explores how Habermas' deliberative democracy, a framework rooted in rational discourse, inclusivity, and consensus-building, can address Nigeria's democratic deficits. The article examines the structural and cultural challenges impeding Nigeria's democracy and evaluates the synergy between Habermas' theory and Nigeria's political context. Using qualitative analysis of Habermasian principles and their practical applicability in Nigeria, the paper identifies pathways to bridge the gap between governance and public engagement. Findings suggest that strengthening the public sphere, institutionalizing deliberative platforms, leveraging technology, and promoting civic education can transform Nigeria's democracy into a participatory and transparent system.

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