Nigeria’s Political Landscape: Is It Becoming a One-Party State?

Nigeria, which has a history of multiparty democracy, is now being viewed as a de facto one-party state dominated by the APC. The opposition parties face significant internal crises, causing their political effectiveness to wane. Legally, Nigeria is a multiparty democracy, but the reality showcases a troubling trend of a fragmented opposition struggling to challenge the prevailing political force.

Nigeria’s political landscape has undergone significant changes since the establishment of the Nigerian National Democratic Party in 1923. This followed the implementation of the Clifford Constitution the previous year. Over the decades, several parties emerged including the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons, Action Group, and more, marking Nigeria’s long-standing tradition of multiparty democracy. However, concerns have arisen that Nigeria may now be gravitating towards a one-party state.

Currently, Nigeria has 19 officially recognized political parties according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Despite this, many analysts argue that the country is slipping into a de facto one-party state dominated by the All Progressives Congress (APC). It is essential to clarify that a one-party state does not only refer to having a single political party as seen in countries like China. Instead, it highlights a political environment where one party holds considerable sway over governance, leaving the others weak and ineffective.

Legally, Nigeria is structured as a multiparty democracy, but the situation on the ground tells a different story. The mass exodus of politicians from opposition parties to the APC has weakened these factions, which struggle to mount an electoral challenge. This scenario echoes the period from 1999 to 2015, when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) dominated the political scene. Back then, the general sentiment echoed was one of ‘PDP and others’ despite having numerous registered parties.

Historically, Nigeria’s political diversity peaked as the number of registered parties exploded to 91 in 2011, although many were later deregistered after the general elections, leading to the current manageable number of 19 parties. Comparing this to nations with an apparent two-party system like the United States or the United Kingdom reveals a misconception; these countries host a variety of political entities beyond just the dominant parties.

In Nigeria, the electoral victories since the launch of the Fourth Republic in 1999 have primarily showcased two players: the PDP, which ruled from 1999 to 2015, and the APC, which has secured consecutive wins in the subsequent general elections since 2015. The recent departure of key opposition figures to the APC has further solidified this trend, raising the alarming realization that it has become a scenario of “APC and others.” This development, while detrimental to the robustness of Nigeria’s democracy, is not solely a fault of the ruling party.

The opposition parties, particularly the PDP, are grappling with internal crises. For instance, the PDP has experienced a carousel of leadership changes post-2015, reflecting deep-seated issues since losing the presidency. Following several tumultuous shifts, their previous chairperson, Dr. Iyorcha Ayu, was pressured to resign amidst party factional disputes after failing to secure a victory in the 2023 elections. This chronic instability creates a ripe environment for defections towards the APC.

Similar troubles plague other opposition parties like the Labour Party and the New Nigeria Peoples Party, which are also contending with leadership crises. APGA recently resolved a leadership dispute only after a Supreme Court judgment confirmed the legitimate party leader. This dysfunctionality, often described as a house divided, hampers any chance of forming a coherent opposition against the APC.

To change the current state, opposition parties must resolve their intra-party strife. The APGA, Congress for Progressive Change, and Action Congress of Nigeria successfully merged in 2013 to form the APC; a strategy which, if replicated today, might help reclaim some political ground. However, defections often relate to more than just ideological alignment; they can signify attempts to secure political safety, reelection advantages, and various other benefits.

Critics of the APC argue that State resources and anti-corruption agencies are utilized to encourage defections. Nonetheless, history shows this isn’t entirely groundless; many politicians may seek protection from prosecution by shifting allegiance to the ruling party. Yet, it is also plausible that personal ambition drives these decisions more than any ideological commitment.

The reality remains that whether Nigeria operates under a multiparty or single-party frame, a functional democracy necessitates accountability and effective governance. Other examples globally, such as China, showcase that a single-party system can sometimes yield better economic performance than Nigeria’s existing multiparty framework. As the nation grapples with corruption, insecurity, and governance challenges, a significant reform within its political structure, irrespective of party affiliation, seems essential for true progress.

In summary, Nigeria’s political framework is currently facing crisis as it appears to be evolving into a de facto one-party state dominated by the APC. The opposition parties suffer from internal struggles that have rendered them ineffective in providing a genuine challenge to the ruling party. While the legal framework supports a multiparty democracy, the reality on the ground reflects a different story, where the need for effective internal organization and a cohesive strategy is more important than ever for opposition parties. Ultimately, Nigeria’s democratic growth requires reforms that prioritize governance and develop the social and economic well-being of its citizens, no matter the party in power.

Original Source: punchng.com