Intra-Party Primaries in Nigeria’s Democratization Process: a Historical Assessment

Abstract

The sprouting character of Nigerian politics from the last quarter of the colonial period to the present is reflected in the changing character of her party politics. Thus, from the ratification of regionalism by Author Richards in 1946 through the short period during the First Republic lasted, two foremost factors shaped the character of intra-party relations/politics: ethno-religious and, to a lesser extent, some feigning of ideological commitment. One of the main features of a political party is its ability not only to contest and win elections, but also to conduct internal elections among its various contestants with the aim of selecting the most suitable candidate that will serve the interest of the party. However, several issues have risen as a result of primary elections among the political parties in Nigeria which has not only affected the political party itself, but as well ruin the smooth running of democracy in the country. This paper historically assesses intra-party primaries in Nigeria’s Democratic process. It questioned the nexus between democracy, party primaries, intra-party conflict and law based union in Nigeria. This paper made use of both primary and secondary data.