Exploring the Dichotomies and the Convergences of Political Attitudes: A Comparative Study of Nigeria and Kenya
Author
Adegbenro, Olusola Ajani
Abstract
This study examines the political attitudes of Nigeria and Kenya, two of Africa’s most prominent democratic nation, with the aim of identifying both areas of convergences and divergences-referred to as dichotomy in political attitudes, values, and trust in governance. Through comparative analysis using secondary sources to generate data, the paper adopts qualitative approach and content analysis. the study uncovers critical similarities such as high levels of political awareness and desire for democratic governance, as well as differences rooted in historical, ethnic, and institutional dynamics. The paper seeks to answer such research questions like; what factors influences political attitudes of Nigeria and Kenya? And in what ways do political attitudes in Nigeria converge or diverge from those in Kenya? The findings reveal that while both countries share a commitment to democratic ideals, their political attitudes diverge significantly in areas such as trust in institutions, electoral participation, and perceptions of corruption. This study contributes to a broader understanding of political culture in Sub-Saharan Africa and offers recommendations for fostering more inclusive, participatory, and accountable political systems in both contexts.
Keywords
Democracy, Political Attitudes, Political behaviour, Ethnicity and religion
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