ANALYSIS OF MULTIPARTY SYSTEM AND ITS CONTRIBUTION TO DEMOCRATIC SUSTAINABILITY IN NIGERIA

1.1 Background of the Study The origin of political parties in Nigeria can be traced back to the late 1940s during the country’s struggle for political self-rule. This period spans both the pre-independence and immediate post-independence eras. During these early years, political parties in Nigeria lacked strong ideological foundations (Diamond & Kirk-Greene, 2019). Rather than being driven by clear political philosophies, they were often structured around geographical identities and centered on prominent political figures regarded as mentors or leaders. In the past decade, the formation and registration of political parties have often been influenced by prevailing political interests and immediate needs. Up until 1998, Nigeria’s political structure reflected a demand for new political platforms that could transition the country from prolonged military rule—over fifteen years—into a democratic era (Ibeanu, 2015). Political parties in Nigeria have consistently played a key role in advancing democratic ideals. Over the past fifty years, several political formations have evolved. Between 1991 and 1993, Nigeria operated a state-imposed two-party system comprising the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC). However, following the annulment of the 1993 presidential election, both parties were dissolved by the military regime (Onuoha, 2017). The return to civilian rule in 1999 marked a significant turning point for political party dynamics in Nigeria. The restoration of democracy introduced a more liberal process for registering political parties, thereby expanding opportunities for broader political participation across the country (Abdu, 2022). Today, Nigeria has more than fifty registered political parties, although only a small number have gained meaningful electoral victories or public support. A few dominant parties have managed to assert substantial influence over the political environment, raising concerns about the potential drift toward a one-party system. There has been a steady trend of opposition members defecting to the ruling party at both the state and national levels (Abimbola & Adesote, 2016). Like many African nations, Nigeria continues to face challenges to democratic consolidation, although it has recorded notable progress over the years. There is a growing demand for reforms aimed at improving how political parties are managed and governed (Abimbola & Adesote, 2016). Many stakeholders argue that Nigeria must adopt mechanisms to safeguard the constitutional rights of citizens to freely choose their leaders. For Nigeria’s democratic framework to be more robust and inclusive, political parties must exhibit stronger commitment to addressing the needs and aspirations of the people in order to drive enduring national development. Consequently, this study investigates the relationship between the multi-party system and democratic sustainability in Nigeria. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Nigeria’s shift to a multi-party democracy has been widely regarded as a vital milestone in its pursuit of democratic governance. However, despite the presence of multiple political parties, various challenges continue to threaten the long-term viability of democracy in the country (Adele, 2022). The multiplicity of parties—many of which are shaped by ethnic and regional loyalties—has contributed to deep political divisions, episodes of electoral violence, and frequent deadlocks in governance (Adele, 2022). Furthermore, doubts persist about whether Nigeria’s multi-party system genuinely facilitates broad-based representation and inclusiveness in political decision-making. These issues raise critical questions about the effectiveness and future of Nigeria’s democratic experiment. Therefore, this study seeks to explore how the multi-party system impacts the sustainability of democracy in Nigeria. 1.3 Objective of the study The broad objective of the study is to Analyze the Multiparty System and Its Contribution to Democratic Sustainability in Nigeria. The specific objectives is as follows i. To find out the historical development of multi-party system in Nigeria. ii. To investigate the factors limiting political parties towards democratic sustainability in Nigeria iii. To investigate the the impact of multi party system on democratic sustainability in Nigeria 1.4 Research Questions The following questions have been prepared for the study i. What is the historical development of multi-party system in Nigeria? ii. What are the factors limiting political parties towards democratic sustainability in Nigeria? iii. What is the impact of multi party system on democratic sustainability in Nigeria? 1.5 Significance of the study This research work will be significant in the following ways: Firstly, it will help decision making organs, institutions to determine the basis for political party formation in Nigeria in order to achieve National integration and political development.Secondly, invaluably, it will contribute to academic knowledge as regards to function of political parties to political development.Furthermore, it will create awareness and inspire a sense of responsibility on members of political party on the role expected of them to achieve good governance and political development. 1.6 Scope of the study The study focuses on multi party system & democratic sustainability in Nigeria. Empirically, the study will find out the the historical evolution of multi-party system in Nigeria, investigate the political implication of multi-party system in Nigeria and investigate the challenges and opportunities posed by Nigeria's multi-party system on democratic sustainability. 1.7 Research methodology Research methodology deals with the different ways or methods the researcher applied in order to carry out the research as well as the instrument used for gathering the data. There are several research methodologies appropriate for answering the research questions. The type of research methodology used in this research to gather data and relevant information is the historical research and the study will adopt descriptive method of data collection. This will involve the collection of materials from secondary sources, such as books, journal articles, magazines, internet sources, international and national conference proceedings, published and unpublished articles. 1.8 Organization of the study The study consisted of five chapters. Chapter one comprised background of the general introduction to the work. It included statement of problem of the study, highlighted the objectives of the study, the scope within which the research was conducted is also highlighted. An outline of how the work is organized is also detailed in the chapter one. The chapter two of the study reviewed the historical development of multi-party system in Nigeria. The chapter three investigate the factors limiting political parties towards democratic sustainability in Nigeria. Chapter four investigate the impact of multi party system on democratic sustainability in Nigeria and the chapter five deals with the summary of the major findings, recommendations and conclusion to the study.