A Proposal on the Impact of Multi Party System on Nigeria Democracy Sustainability
CHAPTER ONE
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The following research objectives will be investigated;
- To find out whether the existence of multi-party system ensures democratic sustainability in Nigeria.
- To evaluate the challenges facing the practice of democracy in Nigeria.
- To evaluate if there is a relationship between multi- party system and the sustainability of democracy in Nigeria.
- To find out the benefit of multi- party system.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Multi-party System and Political Development in Nigeria
In the chapter two of this research work, we are posed with a question, which is the relationship that exists between multiparty system and political development in Nigeria context. In our literature view, we explained the two concepts differently and we had some similarities in both concepts, but for proper understanding, let us briefly examine the various concepts before deriving at a conclusion. Multiparty system is a scourge to the political growth of any society or nation. It is also a reflection of the division that exists within the society and the extent of diversity. This means that once the nation allows a multiparty system to be in operation, it indirectly extends diversity within such society [Obikeze: 2004]. Multiparty system also is a group system that exists where there are usually several parties with nearly, equal strength political interest and historical experience play dominant role in adoption of this system. Multiparty system in this understanding, means that the ideology, strategy, interest, history experience etc. all these matters a lot in operation of multiparty system. [Okpata: 2000]. According to Ferguson and Mc Herny [1967], they pointed out that: The disadvantages of having many parties are that, the multiparty produces instability, confuses the electorate with a multitude of alternatives, represents local groups and factions and diffuses responsibility for action and in action. It would make continued functioning of the electoral system and integration of diverse ethnic and socio-economic group virtually impossible. Moreover, there is the genuine fear that any multiplication of separates tribal groups. Furthermore, another argument concerning multiparty system is that, it is the most insecure and less viable option to political development [Satori: 1996]. He went further to point out that, it not only that multiparty system cannot profit the stimulation of a responsible opposition, but also that, it is often paralyzed by cabinet instability and by the presence of antiparties which replace competitive politics with irresponsible outbidding under these condition, he also asserted that: The multiparty system is more an agent of disintegration than an instrument of aggregation and integration and the outcome is sheer immobility, mal-integration or disorderly change, which is an ideologically motivated, unrealistic 22 sequence of abrupt changes that are likely to be successful [Satori, 1996].
CHAPTER THREE
The Role of Multi-Political Parties to Democratic Sustenance in Nigeria.
It is commonly held that the survival of the democratic processes is directly linked to the ability of the political party to aggregate freely, articulate, represent and to organize set limits in the quest for the use of 81 political power. It is equally obvious, however, that for the party system to become capable of discharging these roles efficiently and effectively, certain criteria must be met, including autonomy, complexity and coherence [Ragsdale and Theis, 1977]. In this regard, too Richard Vengroff”s (1993) argument becomes especially relevant. Drawing from the experience of Mali, Vengroff asserted that the degree to which a party system is able to meaningfully contribute to the political process is related to the existence of several factors: the development and maintenance of strong party organization with the depth and breadth necessary for their operation and the degree of the institutionalization of the party as indicated by its historical roots, longevity, survival and continuing support. Again, the capacity to meet these conditions is a determinant of their potential contribution to the institutionalization of democratic government [Vengroff, 1993]. Hence, if the above forms the yardstick for the measurement of the state of political parties in Nigeria, it then becomes inescapable to conclude that the key party institutions, to date, have failed to fulfill adequately their functions [Odaudu, 2012:12].
CHAPTER FOUR
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY
The researcher used descriptive research survey design in building up this project work. The choice of this research design was considered appropriate because of its advantages of identifying attributes of a large population from a group of individuals. The design was suitable for the study as the study sought to the impact of multi-party system on Nigeria democracy sustainability
METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS
Two methods of data collection will be used which are primary source and secondary source were used to collect data. The primary sources will be the use of questionnaires, while the secondary sources include textbooks, internet, journals, published and unpublished articles and government publications.
The hypothesis test will be conducted using the Chi-Square statistical tool, SPSS v.23.
CHAPTER FIVE
References
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