Political Party Setting in Nigeria.
Democracy in Nigeria and most of Africa is different from what obtains in the western world.
Understanding the political structure or platform is basic for anyone who desires to know how candidates for national elections are produced by the parties.
For example, in Nigeria there are four major groups in its political setting — the political entrepreneurs, ward level party members, the ambitious political office aspirants, and the voters.
The Political Entrepreneurs
These are commonly known as “godfathers”; they are those who fund the parties at the national, state, or local government levels, depending on their interest and capacities. They control the grassroot structure of their party, and lord their positions over crucial matters.
Party Members (at the ward level)
Everyone belongs in this level but not all equal.
It’s at this grassroot level of every party that the nomination of a party’s candidate for any election begins. The journey for primary or secondary elections starts at the ward level. However, more often than not, the outcome is influenced by the godfather or the person in charge of the political machinery within the constituency.
Although the ward is the smallest political unit of a party, effective operations and administration begin from its level. It’s the level where every member has the opportunity to participate and contribute to the day-to-day activities of the party.
It’s important to note that often electoral processes cascade from the ward level upward until it gets to the national convention and congresses.
Moreover, during general elections, it’s the ward members that campaign, mobilise and canvass for the party. Also, they ensure that the interest of the party is well protected and defended by the electoral officers and the electorates, and at other relevant events. They are the foot soldiers of the party.
The Ambitious Political Office Aspirants
These are mostly the elites and money bag members who desire political power, relevance and positions in the national, state or local.
Because of their interest, this kind of person often jumps from one party to another in search of opportunities. They throw money around to have their way where they are not in control of the party structure. And if a desperate aspirant has no alternative, he might be willing to be a crony of a godfather. Even to ensure loyalty, some aspirants enter into all kinds of bonds and bondage. And where any beneficiary who gets to office is not absolutely loyal or refuses to comply with his godfather, he will face the dire consequences of disloyalty as evident in Rivers State (2023) or Lagos State (2019).
The Voters
These are the people on whom the party members woo to get their mandate for power. But rather than being taken as king, the electorate most often are used as disposable tools to power in Nigeria because of their ignorance and poverty. Many (not most) voters are being paid for voting.
Also, most people vote out of sentiment of tribe, religion, or misinformation.
Therefore, most often wrong people are voted to power, and the fallout has always been disastrous as witnessed today.
Share it