POLITICAL CONFLICT AND DEMOCRATIC CONSOLIDATION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examines political conflict and democratic consolidation in Nigeria. Political parties are the pillars of democracy in all societies, either developed or developing nations. They are alliances of like-minded people who work together to win elections and control the government through their philosophies and policies hence there can never be democracy without political parties. The study is anchored on Elite theory which helps to understand that power in society is held by a small number of individuals which have control over key decision making. The study employed secondary method of data collection with information generated from text books, journals, newspaper and magazines. Findings of the study highlight that political parties are critical aspects of Nigerian democratic governance stating that there is a nexus between the nature and character of a political party, good governance and democratic consolidation. Consequently, the study recommends the overhauling of political parties in order to correct the state of current party politics and Democratic practices in Nigeria.