Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Foreign partnerships, particularly through donor-funded projects, have become essential in supporting political development in Nigeria. In Mubi South LGA, Adamawa State, these partnerships have facilitated several political and governance initiatives aimed at improving local governance, transparency, and public service delivery (Umar & Ibrahim, 2023; Gana et al., 2024). International donors, in collaboration with local governments, provide funding, technical assistance, and expertise to strengthen democratic institutions and promote good governance practices. These projects typically focus on electoral reforms, civic engagement, and capacity-building within local government institutions. Despite the significant potential of donor-funded initiatives to foster political development, challenges such as dependency, lack of sustainability, and coordination issues have been reported. This study investigates the role of foreign partnerships in advancing political development in Mubi South LGA, particularly focusing on the impact of donor-funded projects on governance and local political institutions.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
While foreign partnerships have contributed to political development in Mubi South LGA, several challenges limit their effectiveness. These include the dependency on external funding, misalignment between donor priorities and local needs, and the lack of long-term sustainability of initiatives (Chika & Yakubu, 2023; Adamu & Bawa, 2024). Moreover, the coordination between donor agencies, local government authorities, and community actors remains weak, which has led to inefficiencies and suboptimal outcomes in many cases. Despite these challenges, there is a lack of empirical research on how donor-funded projects have impacted political development in Mubi South LGA. This study seeks to examine the role of foreign partnerships in political development, assessing the successes, limitations, and potential of these partnerships in the region.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Research Hypotheses
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study provides important insights into the role of foreign partnerships in local governance and political development, with a focus on Mubi South LGA. By assessing the effectiveness of donor-funded projects, the research offers practical recommendations for improving the collaboration between donor agencies and local governments. The findings will be valuable for policymakers, development organizations, and local authorities in optimizing the impact of foreign partnerships in political development. Additionally, the study will contribute to the growing body of literature on foreign aid and political development in Nigeria.
1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study focuses on the role of foreign partnerships in political development in Mubi South LGA, specifically through donor-funded projects. It does not extend to other LGAs or broader national-level partnerships.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms