POLITICAL PARTIES AND DEMOCRTIC DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA (A STUDY OF 2007 – 2015 ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA)

POLITICAL PARTIES AND DEMOCRTIC DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA (A STUDY OF 2007 – 2015 ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA)

1.0   INTRODUCTION

1.1  BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

The concept democracy  has gained world recognition as the most accepted system of government. The call for freedom and democracy echoes like a thunder across the globe.  The global acceptance of ‘ liberal democracy’ as a major vehicle in attaining peaceful co-existence in a multifaceted society, promotion of economic development, individual liberty, human right restoration, rule of law and freedom of healthy competition in global socio-political activities, necessitated the quest for democratic development  especially in society like ours that have experienced dictatorship over the years.

The world has experienced a paradigm shift in system of governance over the years form authoritarian system in which the “Ruler” rules without the consent of the “ruled” ,the “ruled  are mostly considered as “subjects”, . To a  democratic system in which the” governed” choose their leaders via election , the governed are regarded as Citizens as opposed to  the former. The fact still remain that state is no longer interested in interacting with other state where democracy is not practiced. It then follows that any country desirous of relevance within the world system must be seen as democratic compliance (Omotola, 2008). African states are not left out in this development. Arguments in some literature indicate that the reasons for supporting democracy in Africa, specifically Nigeria, do not mirror Western perception,  but looks more at democracy in economic terms than political ideology (Saliu, 1999). Thus global recognition of democracy eventually paved way for the re-birth of democratic government in Nigeria on May 29, 1999. The struggle for democratic government in Nigeria during military era is almost the same as anti-colonial struggle,  because both the promoter and supporter of democracy in Nigeria were highly committed and dedicated before the transition came to reality. In the process of achieving it, many of them lost their life, some were even detained while those who escaped went on exile in another country  (Saliu, 2004). For instance, Chief M.K.O Abiola died in prison , also Prof. Wole Soyinka was detained later released from prison. Now that democracy becomes Nigerian “Public good” credible institutions are required to defend the system. It is in this view that democratic development and sustainability become pertinent.   Thus, democracy requires among others the supportive structures, such as political parties.

POLITICAL PARTIES AND DEMOCRTIC DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA (A STUDY OF 2007 – 2015 ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA)