By Kunle Lawal
In the vibrant and often tumultuous political landscape of Nigeria, the concept of political parties being driven by distinct ideological perspectives is a topic of much debate. While in many democracies, political parties are defined by clear ideological stances—be it conservative, liberal, socialist, or otherwise—in Nigeria, the reality is far more complex and arguably less ideologically driven.
Nigeria’s political history is marked by military coups, ethnic tensions, and periods of civilian rule. The first republic (1963-1966) saw political parties that, though regionally based, attempted to form ideological identities. However, the successive military regimes and the civil war (1967-1970) disrupted this ideological continuity. When democracy was restored in 1999, the newly formed parties often prioritized ethnic and regional considerations over ideological consistency.
Today, Nigeria’s major political parties, primarily the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), claim broad ideological platforms. However, the distinctions between these platforms are often blurred by the pragmatic nature of Nigerian politics. Candidates frequently switch parties based on political expediency rather than ideological alignment, leading to a perception that Nigerian political parties lack a firm ideological foundation.
The idea that Nigerian political parties are ideologically driven can be considered a myth for several reasons:
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1. Fluid Party Membership: Politicians in Nigeria often switch parties multiple times throughout their careers. This fluidity suggests that party allegiance is based more on personal and strategic considerations than on steadfast ideological commitments.
2. Ethnic and Regional Influences: Ethnic and regional affiliations play a significant role in party politics. Voters and politicians alike are often more influenced by ethnic loyalty and regional interests than by ideological positions. This undermines the development of coherent ideological platforms.
3. Policy Inconsistencies: There is a noticeable lack of policy consistency within parties. Manifestos and policy proposals can shift significantly from one election cycle to another, depending on what is perceived to be electorally advantageous at the time.
The Reality of Ideological Potential
Despite these challenges, there is potential for Nigerian political parties to develop more coherent ideological identities. This potential can be realized through several approaches:
1. Political Education-Enhancing political literacy among the electorate can lead to a greater demand for ideologically consistent parties. Programs like those offered by the Electoral College Nigeria, which educate citizens about governance and political processes, can foster a more ideologically aware electorate.
2. Internal Party Reforms-Parties can work towards establishing clearer ideological platforms and ensuring that their members adhere to these principles. Internal reforms that prioritize ideological consistency over political expediency can help build more ideologically driven parties.
3. Civil Society Engagement-Engaging with civil society organizations and think tanks can help parties develop and refine their ideological positions. These organizations can provide the intellectual backbone for policy development and ideological coherence.
4. Youth Involvement- Encouraging greater youth participation in politics can inject fresh ideas and perspectives into the political system. Young people are often more ideologically motivated and can push for more consistent and principled party platforms.
While the notion of political parties in Nigeria being driven by distinct ideological perspectives is more myth than reality, it is not an unattainable goal. By fostering political literacy, promoting internal party reforms, engaging with civil society, and encouraging youth participation, Nigeria can move towards a more ideologically coherent political landscape. As the Executive Director of Electoral College Nigeria, I am committed to advancing these efforts and contributing to the evolution of a more principled and ideologically driven political system in our country.
Lawal is the Executive Director, Electoral College Nigeria
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