The Evolution of Party Leadership in Nigeria
Human rights lawyer and former National Commissioner of INEC, Festus Okoye, provides a critical analysis of the current state of political party leadership in Nigeria. His insights shed light on the growing dominance of the executive branch over party structures, the implications for internal democracy, and the broader consequences for Nigeria’s democratic development.
Influence from Outside: A Longstanding Trend
The influence of presidents and governors on their respective parties is not a new phenomenon. Since the return to civilian democratic rule in 1999, various leaders have shaped the rise and fall of party executives. This influence extends to key positions such as Senate Presidents, Speakers of the National and State Assemblies, and party chairpersons at both federal and regional levels. While this dynamic affects all political parties, some leaders aim to maintain power indefinitely, often through opaque mechanisms.
In many cases, party executives face removal if they exert too much power. These parties are funded by public money, yet their members are not involved in their management. Instead, the executive provides funding to the parties, which then distribute stipends to members attending rallies. This system leaves most existing political parties vulnerable to deregistration under section 225A of the Constitution.
Consequences of External Influence on Internal Democracy
Okoye highlights that none of the existing political parties operate in accordance with the principles of internal democracy. Some leaders have held power for over a decade, resisting efforts to organize elections. Certain parties lack proper structures in electoral wards, while others use fake membership registers, sometimes compiling names and cropped pictures from photo studios.
In some cases, governors exert incestuous influence over parties, and the president wields control over his own party. This external interference weakens the parties and undermines the democratic process. With increasing reliance on consensus options, internal democracy has all but disappeared within these organizations.
Impact on Institutional Stability
Most political parties still operate from rented offices, with their workers’ salaries funded by the government treasury. When there is a change of government, their prospects shift significantly. Party officials become beholden to the ruling government, lacking true independence. This dependency hampers the growth and stability of political parties.
Implications for Nigeria’s Democratic Development
This trend suggests that political parties will not develop into ideologically grounded entities. Instead, party executives will continue to kowtow to the government in power, resulting in weak parties that remain subject to executive dictates. This dynamic stifles the development of a robust and independent political landscape.
Historical Context: The Second Republic
During the First and Second Republics, political parties wielded greater influence and had stronger control over policies and programs. Membership was driven by ideological beliefs and the charisma of leaders. Although ethnicity and religion influenced some parties, they maintained substantial authority over their elected representatives.
Parties like the National Council of Nigeria and Cameroon (NCNC) advocated for classical democracy, while the Action Congress of Nigeria promoted federalist democracy. The Northern People’s Congress (NPC) embodied modernization, while the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) championed egalitarian democracy. These parties were organized, rooted in their membership, and required members to carry cards and pay for them.
However, during the Second Republic, parties increasingly relied on government funding and support from contractors and consultants, losing control over their own operations. Despite remaining strong, they became more autocratic and insensitive to the needs of the Nigerian people.
Current State of Party Leadership
Today, the membership registers of some political parties are kept at the government house, and their leadership is determined there. This lack of independence means that leaders serve at the discretion of governors and the president. Parties are managed according to the wishes of the executive, with patronage extending to their operations.
The ease of registering a political party—requiring only an office in Abuja—has led to the proliferation of parties that are part of their founders’ portfolios. Some resist internal democracy, while others act as backups for other parties. Executives often report to the government house daily for instructions, making party leaders mere figureheads rather than genuine representatives.
Reforms for a Balanced System
To restore balance between party autonomy and executive control, Okoye proposes several reforms. Section 223 of the Constitution should be amended to require parties to be founded on ideology, have permanent offices, and operate democratically. They must maintain offices in two-thirds of the Federal States and hold democratic elections every four years.
Political parties must be independent of executive control, and any party receiving illicit funds from the executive should be deregistered. They need to be well-organised at all levels and develop transparent mechanisms to raise their own funds. As Professor Attahiru Jega noted, parties must build capacity for mobilisation, organisation, and idea articulation to advance their interests.
