The book examines politics, governments and governance in Nigeria from the pre-colonial period up to the Fourth Republic. It begins with the treatment of pre-colonial states, colonialism and decolonization, and thereafter focuses on politics and governance under military rule and in the First, Second and Fourth Republics. Subsequently, critical institutions of governance and the crises that have pervaded politics and governance received attention. Through selected cases, the book highlights the dynamics of politics and governance, the emergent challenges and what should be done to strengthen democracy, governance and development. The book deploys conceptual, theoretical and analytical perspectives for the analyses of politics and governance in order to provide understanding, explanations and solutions.