As citizens of Nigeria, we have the right and obligation to participate in the decisions that will shape our country and determine its future. To make informed decisions, we must know about the many political parties operating in Nigeria and the values each one stands for. From progressive to conservative policies, each political party has its platform and promises, and it’s up to us to learn about them!
In this article, we’ll take a look at 20 of Nigeria’s major political parties. By the end of this article, you’ll know which Nigerian political parties are out there. Let’s get started!
Overview of Nigerian Political Parties
There are 18 political parties registered with INEC in Nigeria. In order to identify themselves with political parties in Nigeria, supporters use three essential components: their motto, slogan, and logo. To give you an idea of Nigerian political parties.
Types of Political Parties in Nigeria
The Federal Republic of Nigeria has four main types of political parties: registered political parties, registered coalitions, party alliances, and unregistered political associations. Here’s a bit more information about each one.
Registered Political Parties
These are official political parties formed under the rules and regulations of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). They have sponsored candidates in past election cycles and can compete in national elections. Registered political parties are subject to INEC regulations and monitoring by both the Government and Civil Society groups.
Registered Coalitions
These are ad hoc groups formed by two or more registered political parties to back particular policies or candidates. The coalition is legally recognized by INEC but can dissolve after an election.
Party Alliances
These are groupings of multiple registered political parties that join forces for a single electoral period to support their preferred candidate or policy agenda. Unlike coalitions, which dissolve after an election cycle, party alliances remain intact throughout a season of politics.
Unregistered Political Associations
Unregistered Political Associations (UPAs) are organizations that promote a particular candidate without participating in the electoral process. UPAs are often associated with grassroots campaigns leading up to an election cycle, but they don’t necessarily have to follow INEC rules or regulations.
Major Political Parties in Nigeria
Navigating Nigerian politics can be overwhelming, so let’s break down the major political parties in Nigeria.
People’s Democratic Party (PDP)
Since its formation in 1998, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has been a strong political force throughout Nigeria. It is largely a centrist party, and its ideology is often centered around improving the economy and public health. PDP was originally founded to oppose military dictatorship in Nigeria, though its leadership has recently been seen as more authoritarian.
All Progressives Congress (APC)
The All Progressives Congress (APC), founded in 2013, is generally seen as being on the right side of the political spectrum. Its ideology centers around improving infrastructure and advancing public services. The party was born from a merger of several smaller parties, which coalesced around a shared goal of creating a stable government and improving economic growth.
Labour Party (LP)
The Labour Party is a social democratic political organization. Labour Party was founded in 2002; the name was the Party for Social Democracy and was later changed to its current one in 2003.
Finally, multiple regional parties play important roles both locally and nationally, such as KOWA Party, National Rescue Movement (NRM), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), United Progressive Party and All Blending Party (ABP).
List of 20 Political Parties in Nigeria
- All Progressives Congress (APC)
- People’s Democratic Party (PDP)
- Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN)
- African Democratic Congress (ADC)
- Action Alliance (AA)
- Accord Party (AP)
- Alliance for Democracy (ADP)
- All Blending Party (ABP)
- African People’s Alliance (APA)
- Democratic Alternative (DA)
- Fresh Democratic Party (FDP)
- National Rescue Movement (NRM)
- National Interest Party(NIP)
- Social Democratic Party (SDP)
- Young Progressive Party(YPP )
- Re-build Nigeria Party (RBNP)
- Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN)
- Sustainable National Party (SNP)
- New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP)
- Nigeria Elements Progressive Party (NEPP)
Impact and Influence of Nigerian Political Parties
You need to know that the impact and influence of Nigerian political parties are far-reaching. These parties have so much control in setting the political agenda that it is often said that Nigeria has a one-party rule.
The political parties have a decisive impact on who gets elected into office and which policies the country passes. They also help shape the discourse and ideologies which may guide public opinion or support certain factions or ethnic groups.
Not only do these parties affect government decision-making, but they also influence civil society. Political parties are often associated with unions, non-governmental organizations, advocacy groups, and other entities that work to advance their interests or those of their constituents.
Therefore, it is important to understand how these political parties operate and what ideologies they represent to understand why they play such an important role in Nigeria’s politics. Understanding this will help you better navigate Nigerian politics and make more informed decisions regarding voting and interacting with government bodies.
How the Nigerian Political System is structured
Nigeria has three government tiers: federal, state, and local. The federal government is responsible for setting policies and laws that apply to all citizens, while the state and local governments are responsible for implementing and enforcing those laws within their jurisdictions.
The federal level has three main branches: Executive, Legislative and Judicial. The Executive branch is headed by the President and Vice President, elected together on one ticket every four years. The Legislative branch comprises two houses: the Senate, which contains 109 members elected for four-year terms, and the House of Representatives, which has 360 members elected for four-year terms. The Judicial branch comprises several courts, including Supreme Court, Appeal Court and Federal High Court.
The states are further divided into 774 Local Government Areas (LGA). Each has its own legislative body and a head, usually referred to as Chairman or Area Councilor, which chairs meetings between elected councilors to decide on local issues such as road maintenance or refuse collection.
Political parties in Nigeria are different from each other. Still, there are essentially two major ones that citizens choose from: a largely conservative party dominated by Muslims (the All Progressives Congress) or a more progressive party led by a former military ruler (the People’s Democratic Party).
Nigerian Elections and the Role of Political Parties
Navigating Nigerian politics can be tricky, so it’s important to understand the role of political parties in Nigeria regarding elections.
Nigeria’s two main political parties are the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Elections are held every four years, and citizens aged 18 and over can vote for candidates from either party.
To become a Nigerian political party, an organization must have at least 100 members spread across at least a third of Nigeria’s states.
Each party also has to meet certain financial requirements as well as have a party constitution that sets out its mission and objectives. Once a president is elected, his party generally has control over both houses of parliament, but this isn’t always the case. With this in mind, understanding Nigerian politics and the role that political parties play in elections is key to making sense of how decisions are made at all levels of government in Nigeria.
Challenges Facing Nigerian Political Parties
As a Nigerian citizen, you’re probably familiar with the concept of political parties in Nigeria. However, it’s no secret that navigating the Nigerian political landscape can be challenging and complex. As you get more involved in politics, it’s important to understand the challenges that political parties within Nigeria face, so here’s a quick list:
Financing
Most politically affiliated individuals are wealthy elites and business persons who channel their resources into their parties, often leading to inequality between the haves and have-nots. This creates a huge power imbalance because those without money struggle to join the party or achieve any real influence.
Structure
Political parties in Nigeria lack adequate structure and regulations, leading to an unclear standard for promoting party members or policies within the government. This disorganization often leads to miscommunication and misunderstandings between party members and leaders, creating even more confusion within the party as time goes on.
Internal Strife
Parties often become divided due to a lack of structure or ideological differences, causing instability and making it hard for them to agree on policy issues or stay on track as a cohesive unit.
Internal Corruption
Lack of regulation and structure can also lead to corruption within political parties. Some members may take advantage of their status for personal gain, or favouritism towards certain people over others leads to unequal treatment for different members.
Voter Apathy
Many Nigerians are disillusioned with politics due to the perceived corruption within them or lack of clear ideology from some major parties, leading many citizens not bother voting at all.
What the Future Holds for Nigerian Politics
You might be wondering what the future holds for Nigerian politics. Only time will tell what Nigerian politics will look like, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t hints of things to come.
For example, there’s been an influx of new parties on the scene. There has been a surge in the number of political parties in the last election, with more than 80 registered for the 2019 elections. That same year saw a record number of votes cast for candidates from smaller and more recently formed political parties, suggesting that these smaller entities are gaining traction among the electorate.
And this trend isn’t just seen in one area, it’s happening across states, suggesting that regardless of geography or cultural differences, Nigerians are beginning to put their faith in new voices and ideas from all corners of the country.
Of course, only time will tell what role these entities play and whether they’ll succeed or fail. Still, it suggests that possibilities are opening up within Nigerian politics as we move towards a more dynamic and diverse future.
Conclusion
Understanding the political parties in Nigeria is key to navigating the country’s political landscape. With a growing number of political parties, the choice of which to support can be overwhelming. It’s important to research each party’s history, policies, and ideology to determine which best aligns with your beliefs.
For those looking to get involved in Nigeria’s political scene, registering to vote, joining a political party, or engaging with local and national organizations are all excellent ways to make your voice heard. By staying informed and involved, you can play a part in reshaping Nigeria’s future.