Primitive Capital Accumulation and the Dynamics of African Politics: Focus on Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examined the nature and manner in which politics is practised in Africa with emphasis on Nigeria. The ways in which people seek political power has made politics a do or die affair in Nigeria. The objective of this paper was to critically examine the major factors that impede on free and peaceful political process in Nigeria. The paper argued that capitalism has been embedded and enthroned in African political system. Therefore, people’s interest in governance are not formed by what they intend to contribute to society, but on how much wealth they will attain at the end of their tenure in office. The paper’s analysis put forth the argument that this has been the cog in the wheel of African development as African leaders siphoned the treasury of the country and turn public money into private money.

Keywords: Primitive, Capital, African Politics, Capitalism