This study investigated the role of public participation in constitution-making and its effectiveness in reducing political corruption in Nigeria. The study aimed to examine the relationship between citizen engagement in constitution-making processes and perceptions of reduced political corruption. A purposive sampling technique was employed, selecting six local government areas (LGAs) across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, with a total sample size of 400 respondents. Data was collected through structured questionnaires, and the logistic regression model was used for analysis. The theoretical framework was grounded in Participatory Democracy Theory, which emphasizes the role of citizen involvement in promoting transparency and accountability in governance. The findings revealed a significant negative relationship between increased public participation and reduced political corruption, supporting the notion that participatory processes, such as public hearings and civil society consultations, can enhance transparency and foster accountability. The study also highlighted the influence of socio-demographic factors such as education and socio-economic status on perceptions of political corruption. However, the findings also suggested some contradictions with existing literature, particularly regarding the complexity of measuring participation's direct impact on corruption. The study concluded that public participation mechanisms have the potential to significantly reduce political corruption, but their effectiveness is context-dependent. Based on the findings, the study recommended strengthening civil society engagement, promoting inclusivity in participation, ensuring transparency, and investing in educational programs on governance.
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