The Transition From Ethnic Political Parties To National Political Parties In Nigeria

This study aims to investigate the competition of ethnic and nationalist parties in Nigeria since independence till date.The specific objectives are to describe and trace the process of competitive dynamics between the ethnic and nationalist political parties since independence,and to investigate and explain the takeover of ethnic parties by national parties within the Nigerian political landscape.For this study,the use of the “explaining outcome” is appropriate due to the single case nature of the study which is the transition of political ideologies from an ethnic basis to a more nationalistic one.The study’s findings show that ethnic tensions inside the political party structure have frequently been the root of Nigeria’s serious crises both before and after independence.Politicians have frequently abandoned all pretences of stately behaviour in their pursuit of power in favour of ethnic mobilisation,which seems to provide easier access to state power;this nationally unsuccessful but electorally rewarding attitude has repeatedly pushed the nation to the brink of social collapse.The current government,as well as previous ones,have seemed unconcerned despite the detrimental impact it has had on national cohesion.This is because they have benefited from ethnic politics in the past and still do.It is debatable if Nigeria would have ever experienced a societal crisis in the absence of political parties because the most of these crises looked to be manufactured within the party as part of a bigger electoral gamble.The study thus recommends that education on cultural diversity be promoted as well as respect for other cultures,deployment of traditional and community-based dispute resolution mechanisms,promotion of economic development,creation of a multi-ethnic government and developing an inclusive participatory political system,and increasing access to justice.