This paper explores the ideals of political participation and the
values and virtues it is supposed to propagate in a democratic
setting as we approach the threshold of a new political
dispensation. It takes a historical review of the electioneering
process in Nigeria and how this has been riddled with thuggery,
rigging of elections, god fatherism, political praise singing,
constitutional manipulations and amendments to favour the party
in power. Cases of assassinations, arson and murder have occurred
as a way of destabilizing the opposition. Corruption has become
the order of the day while the need for capacity building has been
completely neglected. The culture of poverty has eaten deep into
the fabric of the Nigerian society and so people sell their votes to
the detriment of the political process. It concludes with the
assertion that only an independent electoral commission free from
governmental interference is desirable for the co1mtry. Also is the
need for us to change our values towards selflessness, sincerity and
integrity so as to enhance the gains of our nascent democracy.