A PROPOSAL ON THE IMPACT OF MULTI PARTY SYSTEM ON NIGERIA DEMOCRACY SUSTAINABILITY

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of multi party system on Nigeria democracy sustainability. The study following objectives will guide the study: 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. 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will be the use of questionnaires, while the secondary sources include textbooks, internet, journals, published and unpublished articles and government publications.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.

INTRODUCTION

Nigeria has faced its share of democratic issues, like many other African countries, but it has also advanced through time (Ball,1971). There have already been calls made across the country for specific adjustments and enhancements to the structure and management of political parties in the upcoming years. According to many, Nigeria must enact policies that uphold citizens’ constitutionally guaranteed rights to choose the leaders they want (Ibodje,2005)

Political parties first emerged in Nigeria in the late 1940s, during the pre- and post-independence periods for nationalists (Yaqub, 2002). In Nigeria, political parties were not ideologically motivated during the pre- and early post-independence periods. Instead, they were regionally concentrated and oriented on specific individuals who acted as their mentors. However, parties have been registered throughout the past ten years in accordance with the demands of the time (Slizbeat, 2012). This was the case up until 1998, when it became clear that Nigeria needed parties that could guide the country into a new era of democracy after more than fifteen years of military dictatorship. Political parties in Nigeria have evolved through time and continue to play an important role in achieving democratic goals. Indeed, many political parties have evolved during the previous fifty years. Nigeria had a two-party system from 1991 to 1993, with the government forming the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC). Following the annulment of a presidential election in 1993, the military administration declared the parties illegal. Nigeria, on the other hand, reverted to democratic governance in 1999. In Nigeria, the restoration of democracy in 1999 resulted in a fresh approach to party politics (Nnoli,1978). The process for registering political parties was liberalized, allowing for more involvement in political activities by the general public. In Nigeria today, there are over fifty registered political parties, albeit only a handful of them have ever won an election. The few political groups that have dominated the political field to the extent that worries of the nation devolving into a one-party state have been stated. At both the federal and state levels, opposition parties are moving to join the governing party. Nigeria’s multi-parties must demonstrate a new degree of commitment to the people’s yearnings and ambitions for more basic and sustainable development as the country’s democratic structure and institutions are strengthened (Yaqub,2002). Nigeria’s general election in 2011 was marred by setbacks, and it drew international attention to our democratic system. It also prompts people to inquire about our democratic system.

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