Political Parties in Nigeria: What You Should Know

Nigeria has a multi-party democracy, meaning multiple political parties compete in elections. Understanding the party system helps you make informed choices.

How Political Parties Work

Political parties are organizations that:

• Develop policies and manifestos describing what they plan to do if elected.
• Nominate candidates through party primaries.
• Campaign to win votes.
• Form government if they win elections.

Registration and Regulation

INEC is responsible for registering and regulating political parties. To be registered, a party must:

• Have a national spread (offices in at least two-thirds of states).
• Have a constitution and manifesto.
• Not be based on ethnic, religious, or regional identity alone.

As of recent elections, Nigeria has had 18 registered political parties.

Party Primaries

Before a general election, each party must select its candidates through primaries:

• Direct primaries — All registered party members vote.
• Indirect primaries — Delegates selected by members vote on behalf of others.
• Consensus — Party members agree on a single candidate without a formal vote.

How to Evaluate a Party

When choosing who to vote for, consider:

1. The manifesto — What are the party's plans for education, healthcare, the economy, and security? Are they specific and realistic?
2. Track record — If the party has held power before, how did they perform?
3. The candidate — Beyond the party, evaluate the individual candidate's character, competence, and commitment.
4. Internal democracy — Does the party conduct fair primaries, or does it impose candidates?
5. Inclusiveness — Does the party give opportunities to women, youth, and marginalized groups?

Beyond Party Loyalty

Many Nigerians vote based on party loyalty, ethnic identity, or religious affiliation rather than performance. While these factors are personal, we encourage you to also consider:

• What has the incumbent done with their time in office?
• What specific plans does the challenger have?
• Which candidate is most qualified for the position?

Your vote is a tool for accountability. Use it wisely.