Nigeria’s Shift to a De Facto One-Party State: Analyzing the Political Landscape
Nigeria’s political history shows a shift from multiparty democracy to a de facto one-party state dominated by the APC, following mass defections from opposition parties. This trend raises concerns about democratic health and effective governance amid ongoing internal crises within these parties.
Nigeria’s political landscape has seen considerable evolution since it officially began in 1923 with the Nigerian National Democratic Party, established under the Clifford Constitution. Over the decades, various political entities have emerged, ranging from the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons to the Action Group and the Northern Peoples Congress. Historically, Nigeria has embraced multiparty democracy, except for a brief two-party system during the military regime of Ibrahim Babangida from 1990 to 1993.
Currently, Nigeria recognizes 19 political parties registered under the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). However, observers are increasingly concerned that the nation is drifting into a one-party state scenario. It is crucial to clarify that a one-party state does not necessarily imply the existence of only one political party, as seen in some countries. Rather, it often denotes a system where one party significantly dominates political discourse and control.
Legally, Nigeria stands as a multiparty democracy, yet, in practice, it resembles a one-party state. This is primarily due to the mass migration of state governors and lawmakers from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The other 18 parties lack the strength to effectively challenge the APC’s electoral dominance. A similar situation unfolded from 1999 to 2015 when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held significant power, leading to references like “PDP and others.” Despite the rise to 91 registered parties in 2011, INEC’s subsequent deregistration left only 19.
Contrary to the notion that countries like Ghana, the US, and the UK have strictly two-party systems, they embody a broader multiparty democracy. In the United States, while the Republican and Democratic parties dominate, numerous smaller parties exist, like the Green and Libertarian parties. The UK’s political landscape includes the Liberal Democrats, the Scottish National Party, among others, offering a wide array of choices. Similarly, Ghana’s political spectrum consists of 15 registered parties, but the New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress hold predominant positions.
Examining presidential elections since 1999 reveals a stark reality: Nigeria’s leadership has alternated primarily between the PDP, from 1999 to 2015, and the APC, which has triumphed in the last three elections, 2015, 2019, and 2023. The shift began notably in 2024, marked by significant opposition party leaders defecting to the APC, framing it as a situation of APC and others. However, some analysts argue whether this is truly constructive for Nigeria’s democracy.
While opposition parties lay much of the blame on the APC for their dwindling influence, it is important to recognize their self-inflicted crises. The PDP, for instance, has faced turbulence in leadership since its defeat in 2015, undergoing multiple leadership changes, each marked by internal strife and failures to implement necessary reforms. The party, for example, has seen four national chairmen take the reins in this period, leading to persistent issues and a lack of direction.
Similarly, the Labour Party is ensnared in its own leadership disputes, with key figures at odds. The New Nigeria Peoples Party, having achieved some electoral success, is not immune to internal struggles either. Even the All Progressives Grand Alliance faced significant disputes recently, highlighting the overarching theme of fragmentation among opposition parties, which has allowed a straightforward pathway for mass defections to the APC.
The discourse around the APC’s alleged use of state power and resources to entice defections is complex. While some argue that the ruling party is leveraging its position to draw in those seeking security from prosecution, historical examples suggest motivations driving the changes are multifaceted. Political appointments, contract opportunities, and re-election prospects often weigh heavily in a politician’s decision to switch allegiances.
Indeed, Nigeria’s status as a one-party de facto state might seem detrimental to its democracy, but the underlying issues involve more than just the party system itself. While China exhibits the efficiency of a one-party system, displaying significant growth and stability, Nigeria grapples with issues such as corruption, insecurity, and rising living costs that hinder its developmental progress. Regardless of the political structure, effective governance should ultimately prioritize citizen welfare and security, fostering an environment where individuals can thrive.
In summary, Nigeria’s political situation reflects a troubling trend towards a one-party model, with the APC emerging as the dominant force after numerous defections from opposition parties. Despite being legally a multiparty democracy, the systemic issues within opposition parties indicate a dire need for cohesive leadership and reform. The society grapples with profound challenges, and the political landscape must prioritize good governance to foster sustainable development and enhanced living standards for citizens.
Original Source: punchng.com
