(a) List three political parties and their leader who contested during the 1979 presidential elections in Nigeria (b) Highlight the features of political pa...

(a) Political parties and their leaders in the 1979 presidential election in Nigeria

1. National Party of Nigeria (NPN) - Alhaji Shehu Shagari.
2. Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) - Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
3. Nigeria People's Party (NPP) - Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe.

(Others were the People's Redemption Party (PRP) led by Alhaji Aminu Kano and the Great Nigeria People's Party (GNPP) led by Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim.)

(b) Features of political parties in Nigeria since independence

1. Ethnic and regional orientation: Most parties have drawn their support and leadership largely from particular ethnic groups or regions rather than the whole nation.
2. Weak ideology: Nigerian parties are generally not built on clear ideological differences; they are dominated by personalities rather than principles.
3. Domination by wealthy individuals (godfathers): Rich and powerful individuals tend to fund and control the parties.
4. Weak internal democracy and factionalism: Parties are often torn by disputes, imposition of candidates and frequent cross-carpeting.
5. Formation around elections: Many parties become active mainly at election time and are essentially vote-getting machines.