Oracle of Wisdom Journal of Philosophy and Public Affairs

This research examines the concept of democracy in the philosophy of John Stuart Mill with a particular reference to Nigerian democratic experience, as acceptable democratic principles for social change, reformation and transformation, with a view of achieving an enhanced national development. The research study employs the philosophical method of analysis to examine Mill's concept of democracy in order to show what constitutes better democratic government and to see how it could help to evaluate Nigeria's democratic system and make far-reaching recommendations on the contemporary needs of democracy in Nigeria, and see a better way it can assist in ameliorating the long existing Nigeria's democratic predicaments. Looking closely at Mill's concept of democracy reveals some of the enduring challenges facing democratic societies in the world today. Such challenges are clearly evident in Nigeria when a closer examination is given to her democratic system of governance since its inception; for only little identification could really be made, if at all, of what good and ideal democracy is, in Nigeria. The study clearly exposed that Mill's democratic ideology could actually solve the Nigerian democratic problems if properly harnessed, inculcated and applied to Nigerian political system as well as into the individuals who appear to be the potential leaders of tomorrow. Therefore, for a country like Nigeria to actually experience peace, stability, progress and development; quality, good, intentional and ideal democratic government and governance is urgently needed with a focused leadership and leaders imbued with the required and requisite leadership capacity and ability. Thus, proper democratic tenets, rules and principles are yet to be seen in the Nigerian political system which Mill's concept of democracy has an answer to, for the betterment of Nigeria as a Country.

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