Public opinion is an essential element in democratic governance, as it helps policymakers to understand the needs and preferences of their constituents. In Nigeria's fourth republic, public opinion has played a critical role in guiding democratic governance, though its impact has been mixed.

On the one hand, public opinion has been instrumental in shaping policy decisions and government actions in Nigeria. For instance, in 2012, the Nigerian government attempted to remove fuel subsidies, which sparked widespread protests and civil unrest. The government was ultimately forced to backtrack on its decision due to the overwhelming public outcry.

On the other hand, there have been instances where public opinion has been ignored or manipulated by those in power. For example, in the run-up to the 2019 general elections, public opinion polls indicated that the majority of Nigerians were dissatisfied with the performance of the incumbent government. However, the ruling party still won the election amid allegations of vote-rigging and manipulation.

Moreover, Nigeria's democratic governance is still grappling with challenges such as corruption, ethnic and religious divisions, and insecurity, which have affected the quality and effectiveness of public opinion in guiding policy decisions.

In conclusion, public opinion plays a crucial role in guiding democratic governance in Nigeria's fourth republic, but its impact is still limited by various challenges. There is a need for continued efforts to strengthen public participation and accountability mechanisms to enhance the quality and impact of public opinion in guiding governance.