Project -Internal party democracy and election outcome: An assessment of intra – party conflict in Nigeria’s election 2019-2023

Project -Internal party democracy and election outcome: An assessment of intra – party conflict in Nigeria’s election 2019-2023

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

  • Background to the Study

Internal party democracy is a crucial aspect of any political system, and its impact on election outcomes cannot be overstated. In the context of Nigeria’s 2019-2023 elections, the role of intra-party conflict has been a significant factor. According to Omilusi (2019), the internal democratic processes within political parties in Nigeria have been marred by conflicts, leading to factionalism and defections that significantly affect election outcomes. The author further notes that these conflicts often arise from disagreements over candidate selection, party leadership, and policy direction.

The impact of intra-party conflict on election outcomes is further explored by Adebayo and Ojo (2020), who argue that the lack of internal party democracy often leads to the imposition of unpopular candidates, which in turn results in voter apathy and low turnout during elections. This, they argue, undermines the legitimacy of the electoral process and the elected officials. The authors further note that the lack of internal party democracy also breeds corruption and undermines the development of a robust and accountable political system.

In a similar vein, Okafor and Uzochukwu (2021) examine the role of internal party democracy in Nigeria’s 2019 elections. They argue that the lack of internal party democracy was a significant factor in the electoral violence and irregularities observed during the elections. The authors further note that the lack of internal party democracy undermines the credibility of the electoral process and the legitimacy of the elected officials.

However, not all scholars agree on the negative impact of intra-party conflict on election outcomes. For instance, Ojukwu and Eze (2020) argue that intra-party conflict can sometimes lead to positive outcomes, such as policy innovation and party renewal. They contend that conflict within parties can lead to a re-evaluation of party policies and leadership, leading to necessary changes and improvements.

Despite these differing views, there is a general consensus among scholars that internal party democracy is crucial for the credibility of elections and the legitimacy of elected officials. As Nigeria prepares for the 2023 elections, it is imperative that political parties strengthen their internal democratic processes to ensure free and fair elections.

In conclusion, the literature suggests that internal party democracy and intra-party conflict significantly impact election outcomes in Nigeria. While some scholars argue that intra-party conflict undermines the electoral process, others contend that it can lead to positive outcomes. Regardless of these differing views, the importance of internal party democracy in ensuring credible elections and legitimate elected officials is widely acknowledged. As Nigeria moves towards the 2023 elections, the need for robust internal party democracy cannot be overstated.

  • Statement of the Problem

The problem of internal party democracy and its impact on election outcomes is a significant issue in Nigeria’s political landscape. The 2019-2023 election period in Nigeria was marked by a high level of intra-party conflict, which has raised questions about the state of internal party democracy in the country (Omilusi, 2019). The lack of internal democracy within political parties can lead to a lack of trust and confidence in the electoral process, which can, in turn, affect the overall election outcome.

The issue of internal party democracy is not just a problem for Nigeria, but it is a global concern. According to Norris (2005), internal party democracy is crucial for the legitimacy of political parties and the overall democratic process. However, in Nigeria, the problem seems to be more pronounced due to the high level of intra-party conflict. This conflict often results in the imposition of candidates, which undermines the democratic process and can lead to voter apathy (Adejumobi, 2007).

The 2019-2023 election period in Nigeria was marked by several instances of intra-party conflict. For instance, the All Progressives Congress (APC), one of the major political parties in the country, experienced significant internal conflict, which affected its performance in the elections (Ogundiya, 2020). This situation raises questions about the state of internal party democracy in Nigeria and its impact on election outcomes.

The problem of internal party democracy in Nigeria is further compounded by the lack of effective conflict resolution mechanisms within political parties. According to Adebayo and Omotola (2010), the lack of effective conflict resolution mechanisms within political parties in Nigeria often leads to the escalation of intra-party conflict, which can affect the overall election outcome.

The impact of internal party democracy on election outcomes in Nigeria is a complex issue that requires further research. According to Akinbobola (2012), there is a need for more empirical studies on the impact of internal party democracy on election outcomes in Nigeria. This is because the current literature on the subject is largely theoretical and lacks empirical evidence.

In conclusion, the problem of internal party democracy and its impact on election outcomes is a significant issue in Nigeria’s political landscape. The 2019-2023 election period in Nigeria was marked by a high level of intra-party conflict, which has raised questions about the state of internal party democracy in the country. There is a need for more empirical research on this issue to provide a better understanding of the impact of internal party democracy on election outcomes in Nigeria.

  • Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine Internal party democracy and election outcome: An assessment of intra – party conflict in Nigeria’s election 2019-2023. The specific objectives of the study are:

  1. To examine the relationship between internal party democracy and election outcomes in Nigeria between 2019 and 2023.
  2. To assess the extent of intra-party conflict in Nigeria’s political parties during the 2019-2023 election period.
  3. To understand the impact of intra-party conflict on the democratic process and election outcomes in Nigeria.
  4. To identify the factors contributing to intra-party conflict and how they affect internal party democracy.
  • Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below

  1. What is the relationship between internal party democracy and election outcomes in Nigeria between 2019 and 2023?
  2. How extensive was the intra-party conflict in Nigeria’s political parties during the 2019-2023 election period?
  3. What impact does intra-party conflict have on the democratic process and election outcomes in Nigeria?
  4. What are the factors contributing to intra-party conflict and how do they affect internal party democracy in Nigeria?
  • Significance of the Study

The study on “Internal party democracy and election outcome: An assessment of intra-party conflict in Nigeria’s election 2019-2023” holds significant importance in understanding the dynamics of political parties and their influence on election outcomes in Nigeria. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the internal democratic processes within political parties and how these processes impact the electoral results. It offers a unique perspective on the role of intra-party conflicts in shaping the political landscape of Nigeria during the 2019-2023 election period.

The study’s significance is further underscored by its potential to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on political science, particularly in the context of African politics. It provides a detailed examination of the internal workings of political parties, highlighting the importance of internal party democracy in ensuring fair and credible elections. This study can serve as a reference point for future research on similar topics, thereby enriching the academic discourse on political party dynamics and election outcomes.

Moreover, the study’s findings can be instrumental in informing policy decisions and electoral reforms in Nigeria. By identifying the factors that contribute to intra-party conflicts and their impact on election outcomes, policymakers can devise strategies to promote internal party democracy and mitigate the negative effects of intra-party conflicts. This could lead to more transparent and competitive elections, which are crucial for the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria.

The study also holds significance for political parties and their members. It can help them understand the importance of internal party democracy and the need to manage intra-party conflicts effectively. By doing so, political parties can enhance their chances of electoral success and contribute to the overall stability of the political system

Furthermore, the study can be of interest to the general public, especially voters, as it provides insights into the internal dynamics of political parties. This knowledge can help voters make more informed decisions during elections, thereby strengthening the democratic process. It also promotes transparency and accountability within political parties, which are essential for building public trust in the political system.

Lastly, the study’s significance extends beyond Nigeria as it offers valuable insights that can be applied to other countries with similar political contexts. It underscores the universal importance of internal party democracy and the need to manage intra-party conflicts for successful elections. Therefore, the study has the potential to influence the broader discourse on democracy and elections in the global context.

  • Scope of the Study

The study examines Internal party democracy and election outcome: An assessment of intra – party conflict in Nigeria’s election 2019-2023

  • Operational Definition of Terms

  1. Internal Party Democracy: This refers to the processes and mechanisms within a political party that allow for participation, competition, and decision-making by its members. It includes aspects like candidate selection, policy formulation, leadership choice, and dispute resolution. A healthy internal party democracy is often seen as a sign of a mature and functioning democratic system.
  2. Election Outcome: This term refers to the result of a political election. It includes who won, by what margin, and the distribution of seats among different parties (in a parliamentary system). The election outcome is a reflection of the voters’ choice and can influence the direction of policy and governance.
  3. Intra-Party Conflict: This refers to the evaluation of disagreements or disputes within a political party. These conflicts can arise due to differences in ideology, power struggles, or disagreements over candidate selection, among other things. An assessment of intra-party conflict can provide insights into the health and stability of a political party.
  4. Party Conflict: This term refers to disagreements or disputes within a political party. These conflicts can arise due to differences in ideology, power struggles, or disagreements over candidate selection, among other things. An assessment of intra-party conflict can provide insights into the health and stability of a political party.
  5. Nigeria’s Election: This refers to the general elections held in Nigeria, a West African country with a federal presidential system. The elections determine the President, Vice President, and members of the National Assembly. The 2019-2023 period would refer to the electoral cycle starting with the general elections held in February 2019 and ending with the next elections in 2023. 

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Project -Internal party democracy and election outcome: An assessment of intra – party conflict in Nigeria’s election 2019-2023