International Journal of Case Studies (ISSN Online 2305-509X)

VOLUME 12, ISSUE 9
IMPACT FACTOR 4.428

1) Godfatherism and Internal Democracy in Political Parties in Nigeria: PDP and APC in Focus
Author’s Details: Etim O. Frank & Stephen P. Udoaka-Department of Political Science and Public Administration,University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State – Nigeria.
Abstract:
The aim of this paper was to discuss the extent to which the character of godfatherism practised by elites of PDP and APC has hampered internal democracy of political parties in Nigeria’s electoral process. It has been argued that one aspect of political culture that has taken centre stage in party structure in Nigeria is godfatherism. Due to the actions of godfathers, there is a crisis of confidence among elected officials in Nigeria. Additionally, there is a loss of faith in democratic governance, rising disenchantment with the government, and rising annoyance stemming from the perception that individual voters have no significance in the political process. The survey research method was employed to gather data, while the elite theory was found useful in explaining the study. For the purpose of analysis, the Simple Linear Regression was executed with the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) for the testing of the hypothesis at 0.5 significance level. The finding of the study revealed that godfatherism as practised by PDP and APC elites has a detrimental effect on the degree of internal party democracy in Nigeria’s election process. It was suggested amongst others that the current political parties are required by the Independent National Electoral Commission-INEC to disclose their unique ideology and philosophical underpinnings. Accordingly, the idea of democracy within a party and creating equitable opportunities for every member should be ingrained in political parties.
Keywords: Election; Godfatherism; Internal democracy; Political Culture; Political Parties
[Download Full Paper] [Page 01-12]
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2) Carpet-Crossing and Oversight Functions in Nigeria’s 9th National Assembly: Implications for Governance
Author’s Details:Etim O. Frank¹ Stephen P. Udoaka² Department of Political Science and Public Administration, University of Uyo, Nigeria
Abstract:
The aim of this paper was to examine the influence of inter-party defections by the APC and PDP elites in the National Assembly on law making for governance in Nigeria. It has been observed that emerging political coalitions may not always reflect policy preferences or philosophical differences since they are mostly based on personalities and agreement among political leaders. Political parties are widely acknowledged to have a significant impact on the oversight and accountability of governmental operations and policies. Political parties’ refusal to impose such rules stifles efficient public representation at all levels. The survey research method was employed to gather data, while the elite theory was found useful in explaining the study. For the purpose of analysis, the Simple Linear Regression was executed with the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) for the testing of the hypothesis at 0.5 significance level. The finding of the study revealed that the APC/PDP elites’ inter-party defections in the National Assembly had a substantial influence on the enactment of laws for Nigerian government. It was suggested amongst others that political parties in Nigeria should be established on ideologies and not pecuniary benefits and primitive accumulation as it is being witnessed even in the current administration. Besides, being a member of a political party should not be determined by the collection of ticket to vie for elective political office.
Keywords: Cross-carpeting; Defection; Election; Political Culture; Political Parties
[Download Full Paper] [Page 13-24]
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