Analytical Study of Political Party Systems in Nigeria

Abstract

Party systems can be identified as patterns of interaction among political parties in electoral, parliamentary and governmental arenas of a given political context. It constitutes important elements of modern democratic system without which there cannot be electoral systems. Hence, it gives room for democracy which Nigeria can boast of in her developmental process.Moreover, many Nigerians support the fact that democracy has come to stay in Nigeria, although among the various types of party systems, the dominant party system in Nigeria is multiparty system. In this present administration of the so called slogan “change” in Nigeria, there is need to review the so called party system and switch to another type which seems to be the most advantageous one. This type of party system is referred to as Two-Party system.Finally, this paper gaudily examines an overview of party systems, the types of party systems, the comparison between multi-party and two-party systems in Nigeria and their impacts on governance, and recommendation of two-party system for Nigeria political system. It further recommends that activities of political parties must not reflect discordant party politics but their formation, choice of leadership, choice of candidates, organizational structure, funding and there must be reflect democratic of principles and the rule of law. This would enhance peaceful, structured political system and the choice of the people will be represented without any form of resentment.

Keywords: Nigeria, party systems, democratization, development.