John Iduh Blog

Feminism, properly understood, is neither a slogan nor a passing agitation. It is a historically grounded project that interrogates power, exposes structural inequalities, and insists on the full humanity of women within social, economic, and political systems. Like all transformative ideologies, feminism emerged from lived contradictions—between proclaimed universal rights and their selective application. Feminism operates as a global discourse rather than a monolithic creed. It travels across cultures, adapting to local conditions while retaining a core commitment to gender justice. Liberal feminism emphasizes legal equality; socialist feminism links patriarchy to capitalist exploitation; postcolonial feminism challenges Western universalism and centers voices from the Global South. These strands do not cancel one another; they reveal feminism’s ideological density. In the age of globalization, feminism confronts a paradoxical terrain. Global markets promise opportunity while reprodu...

Oligarchical democracy describes a political system in which formal democratic institutions—elections, parliaments, and constitutions—exist, yet real political power is concentrated in the hands of a small elite. Unlike overt authoritarianism, oligarchical democracy maintains the appearance of popular participation while decision-making is largely inaccessible to ordinary citizens. It is a paradox of modern governance: democratic forms coexist with elite dominance. In my view, oligarchical democracy is both a structural and ideological phenomenon . Elections and parliaments provide legitimacy, yet access to political influence is restricted to wealthy, well-connected, or politically entrenched elites. Campaign financing, media control, and corporate lobbying further entrench their power, while citizens exercise formal rights that often produce outcomes aligned with elite interests rather than broad public welfare. Practical examples illustrate this dynamic. In Nigeria , political pow...

The question of whether neoliberalism is “dead or alive” cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. Instead,  neoliberalism should be understood as a dynamic and evolving paradigm rather than a static ideological corpse. Neoliberalism emerged in the late 20th century as the world’s most dominant economic and political paradigm, rooted in principles of free markets, deregulation, privatization, and the reduced role of the state in economic life. Under leaders such as Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher, and later in the policy frameworks of Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, and others, neoliberal ideas reshaped global capitalism and governance. This influence stretched from advanced economies to transitional and developing states across Latin America, Asia, and Africa.  However, the global financial crisis of 2008–2009 marked a profound challenge to neoliberal orthodoxy. The crisis revealed vulnerabilities in laissez‑faire markets and financial systems, leading to econom...

Across many democracies, including Nigeria, declining trust in public institutions is becoming a critical challenge. When citizens no longer believe that governments act in their interest, it signals a broken social contract—a disconnect between the state and the people it serves. Without trust, even the best policies struggle to gain legitimacy, and social cohesion weakens. Leaders can address this crisis by prioritizing performance legitimacy . This means focusing on tangible service delivery, ethical leadership, and transparent governance. Citizens are more likely to trust institutions that consistently meet their basic needs, enforce the law fairly, and act with integrity. Performance, in this sense, becomes the foundation of political legitimacy, replacing empty promises or symbolic gestures. Non-governmental institutions play a complementary role in rebuilding trust. By facilitating citizen–state dialogue, promoting participatory governance, and creating spaces for community enga...

In today’s democracies, an active civil society and a vibrant media environment are more than just observers—they are essential engines of accountability. In countries like Nigeria, these actors often serve as the first line of defense against corruption, policy failure, and governance neglect. By amplifying citizen voices and scrutinizing government actions, they ensure that power is exercised responsibly. Governments can strengthen this accountability framework by creating formal channels for civic feedback. Platforms for citizen reporting, participatory budgeting, and regular town hall meetings allow the public to directly influence decision-making. When people see that their opinions matter, trust in institutions grows, and policies are implemented more effectively. Meanwhile, NGOs and media organizations provide the expertise and reach necessary to professionalize advocacy. Through data-driven research, investigative journalism, and policy monitoring, civil society can hold leader...

In many countries, including Nigeria, persistent security challenges—such as insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts—have forced governments to prioritize stability over long-term development. While reactive militarization may contain immediate threats, it often fails to address the underlying causes of insecurity, leaving communities vulnerable and governance incomplete. Governments can shift from reactive approaches to preventive strategies that integrate human development with security planning. Addressing poverty, inequality, and social exclusion reduces the appeal of violence and strengthens community resilience. Investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and local economic opportunities can serve as long-term tools to prevent insecurity before it escalates into crisis. Non-governmental organizations and faith-based institutions also play a crucial role. They can facilitate deradicalization programs, provide trauma healing for affected communities, and promote soci...