(a) Identify four political parties in Nigeria during the Second Republic. (b) Describe any four functions performed by political parties.

Answer Details

(a) Political parties in Nigeria during the Second Republic (1979-1983)

1. National Party of Nigeria (NPN)
2. Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN)
3. Nigerian People's Party (NPP)
4. Great Nigeria People's Party (GNPP)

Others included the People's Redemption Party (PRP) and, later, the Nigeria Advance Party (NAP).

(b) Functions performed by political parties

1. Contesting elections and forming government: Parties field candidates, win elections and form the government of the day.
2. Political education and mobilisation: They enlighten and mobilise the electorate on political issues and encourage participation.
3. Selection and recruitment of leaders: They nominate candidates and provide the pool from which political leaders are drawn.
4. Providing a programme of government: Through their manifestoes they offer policies and alternatives from which voters choose.
5. Serving as a link between government and the people: They channel the demands and grievances of the people to government and explain government policy to the people.
6. Acting as opposition: Losing parties check the government, criticise its excesses and offer alternative policies.