Abstract

Abstract This paper discussed elite circulation at the earth of understanding political developments in Nigeria. It analyzed. the origin, recruitment and circulation of elite within the ethnic regions; the existence of a common stock of undifferentiated political elites moving back and forth between various elite sectors; from the military to politics. The paper linked the high level of elites with the struggle for the soul of the country within the competing ethnic regions. The bulk of the literature focused on elite recruitment and roles, ethnicity and essentially Nigeria's political history and culture. The paper also laid out numerous dimensions, specifically for particular past elections and roles played by some Nigerian politicians. The paper observed that Nigeria's circulating elite have, continued to replicate its group and class. This was highlighted through discussions on Elite replication and the Re-Issuance of elite. This exposition was reviewed with examples of certain politicians in Nigeria's political space. The paper was largely descriptive in approach and since this analytical framework can be used in studying the elite approach at any level, the findings were synonymous to many others that have attempted to research on this topic. Even at the particular period of writing this paper, Nigerian politics was highly dynamic, perhaps unpredictable yet marred with subtle volatility among Nigeria's circulating elite. The paper concludes that the circulating elite phenomenon is unhealthy for Nigeria, especially in her bid for democratic governance. The paper recommends a need for transparency among Nigeria's politicians, in addition to the infusion of non-politicized citizens who through civil and economic prowess can establish and implement viable national democratic programs and policies.