Party Politics and Africa’s Democratic Future

Internal Party Politics and Africa’s Democratic Future Africa is currently experiencing a range of socio-economic and political difficulties that have been gradually worsening over time. One of the primary causes of these problems is the lack of effective political leadership, which is characterised by the
absence of a clear and rigorous governance framework. This void has resulted in an aimless approach to governance, ineffective policies, and an inability to inspire stakeholders towards national development.

The failure of political leadership in Africa is deeply rooted in the continent’s weak political party system. Africa’s political parties lack strong ideological foundations and there is no clarity on their core values, vision, and framework for solving socioeconomic problems. In the absence of any clear direction, leaders prioritise personal or group interests over national ones. The ease with which Nigerian politicians switch allegiances between parties demonstrates the lack of commitment to a set of core beliefs.

One of the most critical issues facing Nigeria’s political parties is the lack of a disciplined approach towards solving socio-economic problems. In developed
countries, effective political parties create rigorous frameworks for solving socioeconomic problems. These frameworks enable leaders and electorates to critically assess and choose from a variety of solutions to social problems. This approach fosters a more engaged democratic process and a culture of informed decision-making, leading to more effective and sustainable solutions.

The decline in the quality of Nigeria’s political party system can be attributed to the monetisation of politics. In this system, wealth is often the primary criterion for leadership, as opposed to competence, vision or integrity. Moreover, the practice of godfatherism has resulted in leaders who are more loyal to their benefactors than to the principles of their political parties or the needs of the electorate. This menace also discourages capable individuals with genuine intentions from taking up leadership roles within political parties.

Internal party democracy is central to strengthening Nigeria’s political party system. It ensures the representation of varying viewpoints and promotes a more
democratic culture. Nigeria and Africa’s political parties lack a transparent system for governing party operations. Members do not have a voice in critical decisions, including candidate selection. A robust internal democratic system ensures that political parties fulfil their mandates by serving as a medium through which citizens’ preferences are gathered, prioritised, and transformed into actionable policies.

Join Dr Salihu Mohammed Lukman, Former Vice Chairman (North), APC, Former DG, Progressive Governors Forum and Patrick O. Okigbo III, Nextier’s Founding Partner, to discuss mechanisms and opportunities to strengthen political parties to build strong democracies and a prosperous continent.

Title: Internal Party Politics and Africa’s Democratic Future
Date: Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Time: 15:00-16:30 (WAT)
Zoom Link: bit.ly/DevDiscourse_PartyPolitics_LUKMAN