Political Party Development in Nigeria: An Opinion Survey of the Three Senatorial Districts of Edo State, Nigeria (1999 – 2012)
Chapter One
Objective of the study
The objectives of the study on political party development in Nigeria, specifically focusing on an opinion survey of the three senatorial districts of Edo State from 1999 to 2012, may include the following:
- Assessing the awareness levels and understanding of political parties among residents of the three senatorial districts of Edo State during the specified period.
- Examining the factors influencing political party affiliation and identification among the population in Edo State.
- Investigating the level of participation and engagement of individuals in political party activities within the three senatorial districts of Edo State.
- Analyzing the role of political parties in shaping electoral processes and outcomes in Edo State during the given timeframe.
- Identifying the major challenges faced by political parties in Edo State and their impact on party development and effectiveness.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Political party can be seen as a group or organized group of individuals to enjoy the benefit being derived from such control. Furthermore, political party is a regular and permanent organization of certain number of people concerned with either conquering power or keeping it.
Nigeria was politically amalgamated as stated earlier, transformed from nation-state to modern state. Herbert Macaulay established the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) the first political party to win election into the legislation. The foundation developmental circumstances of party in Nigeria is colonial rule and the opposition to it by the countries national movements, which transmitted into political associations to contest for legislative elections as the countries progressed between 1922 and 1960 from non-representative government (legislative council) to representative government and responsible government to independence under competitive party and electoral politics. The Clifford constitution introduced the elective principle which becomes the impetus or pave way for political party formation precisely 24th June 1923. Following the introduction of the elective principle, Nigerian political parties has very limited and self-serving objectives. The main objective perhaps, that of buying legitimacy for the colonial government through very limited franchise restricted to Lagos and Calabar.
The first political parties that emerged are; Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) 1923, Union of Young Nigerian (UYN) 1923, National Youth Movement (NYM) 1937, National Council of Nigeria and Cameroon (NCNC) 1944, Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) 1953, United National Independence Party (UNIP) 1953, United Middle Belt Congress (UMBC) 1955, Bornu Youth Movement (BYM) 1956, Dynamic Party (DP) 1955 etc.
The problem of the political parties was that these parties were based on ethnic based representation. These parties suffered “ethnocentric syndrome”. They lack political ideology and were ethnic oriented. Ethnicity is the major element of the country’s social structure. The ethno regionist orientations of the parties reflected in the fact that, the national leaders of all the three major parties preferred to stay in the regions, becoming regional premiers impacted in turn on the countries federal system. Between 1954 and 1960. Therefore, the emphasis on regional government has consequential weakening the central government. The main effect of the party system between 1954 and 1959 was to provide three powerful organizations intent on maintaining regional parties such as Action Group (AG) for the west, Northern Peoples’ Congress (NPC) for the North and National Council of Nigeria Citizens (NCNC) for the Eastern region. By 1960, there was going on a simultaneous process of the regionalization and federalization of party politics and of the party system in the country.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine political party development in Nigeria, specifically focusing on an opinion survey of the three senatorial districts of Edo State from 1999 to 2012. Edo state form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain political party development in Nigeria, specifically focusing on an opinion survey of the three senatorial districts of Edo State from 1999 to 2012. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing political party development in Nigeria, specifically focusing on an opinion survey of the three senatorial districts of Edo State from 1999 to 2012
Summary
This study was on political party development in Nigeria, specifically focusing on an opinion survey of the three senatorial districts of Edo State from 1999 to 2012. Three objectives were raised which included: Assessing the awareness levels and understanding of political parties among residents of the three senatorial districts of Edo State during the specified period, examining the factors influencing political party affiliation and identification among the population in Edo State, Investigating the level of participation and engagement of individuals in political party activities within the three senatorial districts of Edo State, Analyzing the role of political parties in shaping electoral processes and outcomes in Edo State during the given timeframe and identifying the major challenges faced by political parties in Edo State and their impact on party development and effectiveness. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from Edo state. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
The study emphasizes the dynamic nature of political party development in Nigeria, specifically within the three senatorial districts of Edo State. It underscores the need for political parties to adapt to changing circumstances, engage with voters’ concerns, and provide effective governance. The findings of this study can serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, political analysts, and party strategists in understanding the trajectory of political party development and formulating strategies for future political engagement in Edo State and beyond.
Recommendation
Based on the findings of the study on political party development in Nigeria, specifically focusing on the opinion survey of the three senatorial districts of Edo State from 1999 to 2012, several recommendations can be made to improve the political landscape and enhance the effectiveness of political parties in the state:
- Strengthen Ideological Foundations: Political parties should articulate clear ideological positions and policy agendas to provide voters with a distinct choice. This requires developing party platforms that address the socio-economic concerns and aspirations of the people in Edo State. Parties should invest in internal party education and training programs to ensure that party members and leaders are well-versed in the party’s ideology and can effectively communicate it to the electorate.
- Promote Transparency and Accountability: Political parties should embrace transparency in their internal processes, including candidate selection, campaign financing, and decision-making. Establishing mechanisms for greater accountability and disclosure of party funding sources will help build public trust and confidence in the parties. Additionally, parties should encourage the participation of citizens in party activities and decision-making processes to foster inclusivity.
- Foster Intra-Party Democracy: Parties should promote democratic principles within their ranks by encouraging internal party democracy. This includes conducting free and fair primary elections and creating avenues for members’ participation in decision-making processes. By ensuring that party members have a voice in shaping party policies and selecting candidates, parties can enhance their legitimacy and attract a more engaged and committed membership base.
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