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Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation is grappling with the debilitating effects of political instability on its socio-economic development. The situation remains a central challenge to understanding Nigeria’s developmental challenges. This paper investigates the interplay and effects of political instability on Nigeria’s socio-economic development from 1960 to 2026, with emphasis on regime changes, electoral violence, insecurity, ethnic and religious tensions, and governance crises. Using a qualitative historical analytical approach and drawing on political economy and institutional theories, the paper analysis evidence from academic literature, policy documents and development reports. The paper argues that long-term socio-economic transformation depends on strengthening democratic institutions, promoting inclusive governance, ensuring policy continuity, and improving accountability. The findings indicate that recurring political instability has disrupted policy implementation, weakened institutional capacity, reduced investment, intensified poverty and unemployment, reduced economic growth, reduced human capital development, and hindered inclusive national development. Although democratic rule has expanded political participation since 1999, persistent governance deficits and insecurity continue to impede sustainable socio-economic growth and progress. To this end, the paper reveals a pressing need for transformative governance, security-sector reforms, and actionable anti-corruption efforts to reboot Nigeria’s economy and enhance citizens’ welfare. It concludes that political stability is not merely a political objective but a fundamental prerequisite for sustainable socio-economic development in Nigeria.