Abstract: Nigeria at Independence in 1960 presented an image of an ideal colonial state transiting to independence with the prospects of an admirable model of Westminster democracy. The hope collapsed soon after, due to a barrage of internally contradictory factors of building a nation out of disperse and diverse states. The intervention of military in the post-colonial government retarded and indeed, aborted the process of democracy. Different military leaders emerged projecting different interests not related to the national interest. This study interrogates the descent of Nigeria to a pariah state under Abacha and her resurgence into global politics under Obasanjo.