Lockean Political Philosophy and Its Implications for Nigerian Politics

Abstract

The political ideas of John Locke have greatly influenced the modern world. His political ideas have actually given to the modern world the concepts of constitutional government, religious toleration, representatives’ institutions, the freedom of individual and private property. In addition, “his philosophical theories are embedded in the American Constitutions, and are to be seen at work whenever there is dispute between the President and the congress. The British constitution was based upon his doctrine until about fifty years ago, and so was that which the French adopted in 1871” (Russell, 1961:585). It is against this background that Lockean political philosophy and its implications for Nigerian politics are discussed in this paper. The paper concludes that Lockean Political Philosophy is of vital importance to Nigerian politics.