Public policy outcomes in Nigeria’s democratic experience have been shaped not only by the quality of policy formulation but, more critically, by the political dynamics surrounding implementation. Despite the proliferation of well-articulated policies since the return to civil rule in 1999, persistent gaps remain between policy intent and actual outcomes. This study examines the relationship between policy making and the politics of implementation in Nigeria, arguing that implementation failures are largely rooted in power relations, elite interests, institutional weaknesses, and the politicization of the policy process. Drawing on political economy and institutionalist perspectives, the study situates policy implementation within Nigeria’s democratic structures, highlighting how electoral incentives, intergovernmental relations, bureaucratic political interactions, and regime transitions influence policy execution. Using qualitative analysis of secondary data, official policy documents, and existing empirical studies, the study demonstrates that policy implementation in Nigeria is less a technical administrative process and more a contested political arena shaped by competing interests and governance structures. Therefore, it is recommended that strengthening democratic accountability, institutional autonomy, and policy continuity is essential for improving implementation effectiveness and enhancing governance outcomes in Nigeria.