Abstract

The issue of political crisis is a common phenomenon in all human societies. This paper takes a trajectory view of earlier civilizations of the West, using the systematic political thoughts of philosophers like Plato, Aristotle and Rousseau as models for the ideal state. Furthermore, a few theories are cited as heuristic reminders of the universality of conflicts. The Nigerian nation is used as a reference point for political crisis. The paper adopts an eclectic approach to the inherent political problems that have stalemated the nation's stride to greatness. The issues associated with such politics are traceable to the inability of the state to respond to the early warning signs, and this has remained the bane of intergroup relations across the country since independence in 1960. Drawing from the political thought contributions of foremost philosophers namely Aristotle, Plato and Jean Jacques Rosseau, this study examines the interdisciplinary origin of political crisis in contemporary Nigeria and responds to the following questions: How are the contributions of philosophers to the explanation of political crisis in contemporary Nigeria? To what extent have the political thoughts of Plato, Aristotle and Rousseau offered interdisciplinary insight into the politics in Nigeria? What are the solutions to the political crisis in the country? There is a need for equitable distribution of resources and application of the rule of law to favour all citizens irrespective of their ethnic origin and political affiliation. Elites should rethink their political behaviour and prioritise actions that set the country on the path to the actualization of sustainable development.