Nigeria’s Political Parties “Lawless & Undemocratic” – Political Scientists Fault Weak Internal Democracy, Godfatherism
By TOSAN OYAKHILOME-AKAHOMEN
THE Nigerian Political Scientists Association (NPSA) has criticised the country’s political parties for what it described as a consistent disregard for democratic norms and the rule of law.
In a statement titled “Reflecting on Nigeria @65: Political Parties and Democracy” and signed by its president, Prof. Hassan Saliu, the association said most parties operate lawlessly—conducting premature campaigns, failing to submit financial records to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and neglecting internal democratic processes.
“The parties have not been law-abiding,” the statement noted. “Their premature campaigns and refusal to open their books to INEC are clear evidence. In many cases, party organs hardly meet to promote genuine democratic engagement.”
The association lamented that opposition parties have failed to provide credible policy alternatives, relying instead on personality-driven politics. It also linked Nigeria’s low voter turnout to weak mobilisation by parties, describing their engagement with citizens as superficial and transactional.
NPSA further faulted the dominance of godfatherism, internal wrangling, and frequent litigations during primaries, saying they erode fairness and transparency.
According to the group, many political parties have become mere “vehicles for acquiring power,” with elected officials often hijacking them after assuming office. It said the behaviour of these parties has created the perception that they are “alien organisations or secret cults,” disconnected from the people they claim to represent.
The association urged political parties to embrace transparency, accountability, and policy-driven politics to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and rebuild public trust.
