The Impact of Multi-Party System on Nigeria’s Democracy Sustainability
Chapter One
Objective of the study
The primary objective of this study is as follows
1) To find out whether the existence of multi-party system ensures democratic sustainability in Nigeria.
2) To evaluate the challenges facing the practice of democracy in Nigeria.
3) To evaluate if there is a relationship between multi- party system and the sustainability of democracy in Nigeria.
4) 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]. What could be derived in the above assertion is that a developing pluralistic society in search of national integration (as an attribute of political development) cannot afford to experience abrupt political changes and instability, nor can it afford increased polarization of a great number of cleavages that already existed in the society. This was why multiparty system had failed repeatedly in Nigeria as a mechanism for fostering political development and stability. Political development entails increased differentiation and specialization of political structures and the increased secularization of political culture, effectiveness, efficiency and capability were seen a benchmark of political development. We have succeeded in establishing some conceptual analysis of multiparty system and political development, we will now limit it to Nigeria as it concerns fourth republic. Multiparty system is most times more accurately than the two-party system in a way in which the popular mind is actually divided. And when parties are numerous, there is likely to be less of the uncritical sentiment of loyalty to party, less probability that their members will regard all questions habitually and systematically from a party point of view. There are some positive advantages that goes with the multiparty system, because it is tend to democratic in orientation, in such that, it gives rights to citizens of such society that practice it to participate freely in any political activities such as election. According to Okechukwu, Oji and Okafor (2002), they stated some advantages of multiparty system, they includes the following:
- Multiparty system promotes democracy.
- It gives legitimacy and sovereignty to the people.
- It eliminates the possibility of tyrants emerging in power.
- It also creates room for responsible government.
- It makes possible effective operation of the rules of law and separation of power.
So therefore. Despite the short coming associated with multiparty system in Nigeria, it has a lot of advantages over other party system in general perspectives and more so particularly in a multi-ethnic society like Nigeria. In Nigeria, multiparty system and political development are not really inn good relationship like it is meant to be, because multi-parties in Nigeria especially in fourth republic are all non-ideological type and it is not of development in Nigeria political system [okpata:2002]. The major problem 24 of multiparty system is that most political parties in Nigeria are still in search of role, hence since 1999, the role of political parties is still fluid. In many cases, this so-called political parties since 1999 have become a major part of Nigeria problem [Omomji: 2008]. Nigeria since pre-independence and post-independence has changing from various political system, from pre-independence (1922) to second republic (1975) was multiparty system but prior the era of third republic, during military regime under Gen. Ibrahim Babangida regime, we had the two dominant parties which are The National Republican Convention (NRC) and Social Democratic Party (SDP). These were two existing parties under Babangida (1985) and Abacha (1993). So let us access the historical sociology of multiparty system in Nigeria. And also the reason why Nigeria adopted multiparty system
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 the impact of multiparty system on Nigeria democracy sustainability. Selected politicians in Shomolu Local Government Area of Lagos State. forms 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 the impact of multiparty system on Nigeria democracy sustainability. 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 the challenges of the multiparty system on Nigeria democracy sustainability
Summary
This study was on the impact of multiparty system on Nigeria democracy sustainability. Four objectives were raised which included; 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 and to find out the benefit of multi- party system. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from selected politicians from Shomolu Local government Area of Lagos State. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
In the final analysis, we are able to see that the problem lies not in the form or type of government, but the style our leaders adopt in governing the masses. The proliferation of political parties in Nigeria is not healthy for the nation‟s democratic growth. Ordinarily, in a multi-party democracy as Nigeria claims to practice, the number of political parties found in the fray should not be a cause for worry. But a closer observation clearly shows that most of these parties exist only in name and do not qualify to be called political parties at all. It is a cancerous growth that is stifling the democracy in the country. As political organizations, political parties seek to influence government policy, by nominating their own candidates and trying to seat them in political offices. Parties participate in electioneering campaigns and political mass education. Again, political parties exist to espouse known ideologies and visions bolstered by specific goals and form coalitions among disparate interests where necessary. The big idea is to win an opportunity to steer the ship of governance to a higher level and thus make life more abundant to a greater number of citizens. It then follows that, a political party that cannot participate in elections is improperly so called and a mockery. At best it is a pressure group engaging in protest actions and advancing it own interest. Political parties do not exist for the sole purpose of endorsing and adopting candidates of other political parties as presently the case in Nigeria. By so doing, it makes nonsense of the fundamental reason why political parties exist. It is a development into a sticky situation. It does appear some Nigerians have seized the liberal guidelines for the registration of political parties to engage in it as mere pastime and have no due regard for the serious responsibilities associated with parties as political organizations. For the avoidance of doubt, political parties exist to offer alternative platforms to citizens who have the passion to serve their country 106 and have something serious to contribute to nation building effort. That is why political parties are ideologically driven. Yet, in Nigeria, the political parties have no clear ideology, nor programme. In the electioneering, all the electorate could hear was, “I will create millions of jobs”, “I will resolve electricity” and so on, without any clear illumination of the state of things and a plausible road map round it. The implication is that, today, one can hardly say what the over sixty political parties registered by INEC stand for, aside the fact that majority of them do not have capacity to go into elections and have indeed constantly shied away from past elections even after collecting subventions from the electoral commission. In the last presidential election, only a handful of them took part and only for parties like Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigeria People‟s Party (ANPP) and People‟s Democratic Party (PDP), were all in the context. Likewise, in 1999, only three political parties with clear programmes and ideology were registered and participated in presidential elections of that year, namely All People Party (APP), Alliance for Democracy (AD) and People‟s Democratic Party (PDP). Then, the political environment was far more meaningful and progressive than what obtains presently. Going by the last presidential election won by President 107 Goodluck Jonathan, opposition has died a natural death. For me, the irrelevant parties should be proscribed so that viable opposition party can emerge through possible alliance of ACN, ANPP and CPC and this has been latest development. The argument that it is undemocratic to regulate the number of parties is not too healthy also in the face of the growing need to moderate the staccato of political parties to mitigate their negative impacts on the democratic process. One way of l doing this is to strike some kind of a balance. Deriving from this, a political party that has not participated in the general elections should be presumed dead and deregistered and those who have consistently failed to win seats both into state and federal assemblies should also be deregistered
Recommendation
Some of the recommendations towards achieving a democratic consolidation and political development through political parties include the following:
- While Constitutional Right Project (CRP) believes that there is need to strengthen our democratic institutions, a total overhaul of present electoral laws regulating party registration should commence.
- Due to lack of philosophy and ideology, political parties go against the dictates of their manifestoes, therefore, our political parties should have a clearly defined philosophy and ideology that will enable them conform with the dictates of their manifestoes.
- The linkages between political parties and ethnicity are not in the best interest of the Nigerian people. This is an area where de-linking is appropriate and necessary. This can be made possible if the people have political education. The people should understand their rights, responsibilities and the role of the state. They should be educated to demand accountability on the part of those elected into office. They should be in a position to recall those who have failed to deliver. Because a proper understanding of the various political issues will there to prevent them from being used as pawns by the leaders in the ethnicity.
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