Public Opinion and State Policies in Nigeria (1999-2024)

Paul O. Arochukwu & Nelson V. C. Okene

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Abstract

Government in every state and especially in a constitutional democracy exists to maximise the will of the people, who are indeed the popular sovereign. It is thus important that the government, as agents of the state, gauge the people’s response to its policies and programs. This paper, Public Opinion and State Policies in Nigeria (1999-2024), therefore aimed to measure the impact and outcome of public opinion on state policies in Nigeria for the stated period. This study used secondary data to analyse the nexus between public opinion and state policies qualitatively. Using social contract theory, the paper argued that the people’s consent, measured through public opinion, is crucial to policy success in Nigeria. It was recommended that public opinion should not be suppressed but rather encouraged to play its role in stabilising and entrenching democracy.

• Paul Ogbonnaya Arochukwu
  Centre for Politics
  University of Port Harcourt
  Email: arochukwulaw@gmail.com
• Nelson V. C. Okene
  Department of Public Administration
  Faculty of Social Science
  University of Port Harcourt
  Email: nelson.okene@uniport.edu.ng

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