Nigeria’s Political Landscape: Sliding into One-Party Dominance

Nigeria’s political system, traditionally a multiparty democracy, is now perceived by some as a de facto one-party state dominated by the APC. The mass defections of lawmakers from opposition parties into the APC reflect significant internal challenges faced by those parties. With ongoing leadership crises within the opposition, experts suggest that unity and resolution of disputes are necessary for any hope of altering the political landscape. The focus should remain on achieving effective governance to address pressing societal issues.

Nigeria’s political landscape has witnessed significant transformations since the inception of its party system in 1923, beginning with Herbert Macaulay’s Nigerian National Democratic Party. Despite the historical presence of multiple political parties—such as the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons and the Action Group—many analysts now warn that the country risks devolving into a one-party state. While Nigeria legally upholds a multiparty democracy, de facto it operates primarily under the influence of a single dominant party: the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Amid the current political context, 19 political parties are officially registered with the Independent National Electoral Commission. However, the mass defection of notable members from opposition parties into the APC has led some observers to declare that Nigeria is effectively a one-party system. This mirrors past eras when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) previously dominated the political landscape, famously leading the narrative of ”PDP and others” from 1999 to 2015, even as the number of registered parties fluctuated dramatically.

Interestingly, countries like Ghana, the United Kingdom, and the United States are often seen as having two-party systems, yet they are examples of multiparty democracies. The U.S. features a variety of political parties alongside its dominant Republicans and Democrats, while the UK boasts a range of parties with different ideologies, like the Liberal Democrats and the SNP. Ghana’s electoral commission reported 15 registered parties ahead of their 2024 elections, with two key players being the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party.

Since Nigeria’s Fourth Republic commenced in 1999, presidential elections have primarily seen competition between just two parties: PDP (1999-2015) and APC (2015-2023). As of 2024, due to a notable shift in party affiliations, the phrase now has become ”APC and others”—a situation concerning many Nigerians who question the impact on the nation’s democratic health, though it should be noted that the opposition parties also bear responsibility for their current woes.

A significant obstacle for these opposition parties has been their own internal conflicts, especially notable in the PDP. After losing power in 2015, the party has experienced multiple leadership changes and ongoing struggles to regain its footing. The party’s leadership has changed hands four times in this period. Most recently, the internal strife at the PDP culminated in the suspension of its chairman, Dr. Iyorcha Ayu, in the midst of ongoing electoral defeats.

The Labour Party and the New Nigeria Peoples Party have also faced struggles regarding leadership organization, mirroring the problems experienced within the PDP. Recently, the APGA party resolved its own leadership crisis through a Supreme Court judgement, illustrating how critical such unity is for maintaining a viable opposition in Nigeria.

Looking ahead, for opposition parties to reclaim influence, they must address these internal divisions decisively. The APC was created through a coalition of several smaller parties in 2013, showcasing that unity among fractured groups can yield successful results at the ballot box. Recently, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State announced his defection from the PDP to the APC, marking a trend of significant party shifts.

While some argue that the APC government utilizes anti-corruption agencies to incentivize defections, the reality is more complex. The exodus of politicians often springs from various motivations, ranging from intra-party disunity to strategic positioning for re-election. It remains essential to recognize that a cohesive party structure, devoid of division, can better resist such defections.

The current dominant status of the APC, coupled with Nigeria’s various socio-economic issues, presents a serious challenge for the nation’s democratic future. Ultimately, the efficacy of governance transcends which party is in charge; governance that meets citizens’ needs is crucial, as shown by countries with less democratic flexibility yet superior economic performance. The pressing issues Nigeria faces—corruption, security, and poverty—highlight the urgent need for any party system that prioritizes welfare, security, and good governance, as these align more closely with the real needs of the people.

In summary, Nigeria, while officially a multiparty democracy, is increasingly perceived as a de facto one-party state dominated by the APC. This shift is facilitated by the mass defection of lawmakers and governors from opposition parties amid ongoing internal conflicts within these groups. The urgent need for opposition parties to unify and address leadership challenges cannot be overstated. Ultimately, the state of Nigeria’s governance and the effectiveness of its political system are paramount; progress hinges on delivering results that improve the lives of its citizens, irrespective of party dynamics.

Original Source: punchng.com