MULTIPLE PARTY SYSTEM AND THE ENDURANCE OF DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study The origin of political parties in Nigeria can be traced back to the era of the struggle for self-governance in the late 1940s, encompassing both the periods before and after the country gained independence. During these times, Nigerian political parties were not grounded in well-defined ideological principles (Diamond & Kirk-Greene, 2019). Rather, they were largely based on geographical affiliations and revolved around specific political figures who were regarded as mentors or central personalities. In the last ten years, political parties have often been registered to address specific, short-term political interests and prevailing circumstances. Up until 1998, Nigeria experienced a period where political associations were needed to guide the country towards a renewed era of democratic governance following over fifteen years under military rule (Ibeanu, 2015). Throughout the nation’s political history, parties have emerged and continued to play a vital role in advancing democratic objectives. There has undoubtedly been an evolution of various political formations over the past fifty years. Between 1991 and 1993, Nigeria operated a two-party system established by the government, comprising the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC). However, following the annulment of the 1993 presidential election, the military regime dissolved both political parties (Onuoha, 2017). With the return to democratic rule in 1999, Nigeria embraced a new chapter in its political trajectory. This transition facilitated a more liberal process for political party registration, thereby broadening the scope for political participation across the country (Abdu, 2022). Today, there are over fifty registered political parties in Nigeria, although only a handful have managed to achieve notable electoral victories. A few of these parties have gained such dominance over the political space that fears have emerged regarding Nigeria’s potential drift towards a one-party system. At both the national and state levels, opposition parties increasingly merge or defect to the ruling party (Abimbola & Adesote, 2016). Like many other African countries, Nigeria has grappled with several democratic challenges but has equally made commendable strides in its political development. There is growing national discourse on the need for reforms and improvements in how political parties are managed and governed (Abimbola & Adesote, 2016). Many have argued that Nigeria must put mechanisms in place to protect citizens’ constitutional right to freely elect their leaders. To strengthen democratic institutions and governance processes in the country, it is essential that political parties become more responsive to the people’s aspirations for meaningful and sustainable development. Consequently, this study explores the multi-party system and its impact on the sustainability of democracy in Nigeria. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Nigeria’s adoption of a multi-party political structure has been widely recognized as a crucial move towards achieving democratic governance. Nevertheless, despite this pluralistic framework, numerous challenges remain, casting doubt on the long-term viability of democracy in the country (Adele, 2022). The presence of multiple political parties—often aligned along ethnic and regional lines—has brought about problems such as deep political divisions, election-related violence, and legislative deadlock (Adele, 2022). This situation also raises concerns over whether the multi-party system is capable of genuinely representing the nation’s diverse interests and facilitating inclusive policymaking. Accordingly, this study seeks to investigate the role of the multi-party system in ensuring democratic sustainability in Nigeria. 1.3 Objective of the study The broad objective of the study is to examine multiple party system and the endurance of democracy 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 multiple party system and the endurance of democracy 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.