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

Answer Details

a) Three political parties and their leaders who contested during the 1979 presidential elections in Nigeria are:

• National Party of Nigeria (NPN) - Shehu Shagari
• Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) - Obafemi Awolowo
• Nigerian People's Party (NPP) - Nnamdi Azikiwe

b) Features of political parties in Nigeria since independence:

1. Ethnic and regional affiliations: Political parties in Nigeria tend to be based on ethnic and regional affiliations, which can make it difficult for them to appeal to a broad national audience.
2. Ideological fluidity: Political parties in Nigeria have tended to lack clear and consistent ideologies, with many parties adopting platforms that are more focused on personality and patronage than on a specific political philosophy.
3. Factionalism and instability: Political parties in Nigeria have often been characterized by internal factionalism and instability, with frequent defections and party mergers and splits.
4. Weak institutional structures: Political parties in Nigeria have often had weak institutional structures, with limited capacity for mobilizing voters and fundraising.
5. Limited inclusivity: Political parties in Nigeria have often been criticized for being exclusive, with limited opportunities for women, youth, and minority groups to participate in party politics.
6. Dominance of the ruling party: Since independence, Nigeria has tended to have one dominant political party at any given time, with other parties struggling to gain a foothold in national politics.
7. Role of money and patronage: Political parties in Nigeria have often relied heavily on money and patronage to secure votes and maintain their power, rather than on building strong grassroots support.

Overall, the features of political parties in Nigeria since independence have been shaped by a range of factors, including ethnic and regional divisions, weak institutional structures, and a focus on patronage and personality over ideology. These factors have contributed to a political landscape that is often fragmented and unstable, with limited opportunities for meaningful political engagement and representation for all Nigerians.