The Cause-Effect Dynamics of Income and Political Inequalities in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic  

Abstract

Income and political hegemonies by the elites are key features of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic (1999 till date). Political offices have become means to amass wealth and the political landscape has been monetised. These produce a populace that has low income profile and not positioned to compete with the elites in politics. The cause-effect dynamics of income and political inequalities reflect how disparities in income distribution promote political inequality and vice versa. The study adopts a qualitative research and content analysis approaches. Literature has been obtained from journals, books, reports and newspapers. The theoretical underpinning of the study is elite theory. This establishes the role of elites in sustaining the re-enforcement of political inequality by income inequality and vice versa. Findings reveal that the status quo is consolidated through corruption, monetisation of politics and unfriendly atmosphere for participating in decision making. The study stresses the need for wide-ranging reforms aimed at reducing both income and political inequalities to foster a more inclusive and equitable society. Recommendations include unbiased anti-corruption measures, provision of infrastructure and security, good poverty alleviation programmes, demonetisation of politics and involvement of the masses in government’s decision making.