Political Party System in Nigeria and the Inherent Corrupt Practices: The Case of People's Democratic Party

Abstract

The paper argues that there are inherent corrupt tendencies in all Nigerian political parties right from the first republic. It looks at the basic features and characteristics of party systems. The paper traces the evolution of political parties and party politics in Nigeria and establishes that the Macpherson constitution of 1951 was an important landmark in the political development of Nigeria, for it strengthened the political machinery through which Nigerians participated in the formation of political parties. It further argues that from the first political parties in pre-independence to all the republics, the parties have one characteristic-inherent corrupt practice. The paper argues that the People's Democratic Party in spite of being in power since the return of democracy in 1999, and in spite of its claim to rule Nigeria for the next 60 years, it does not exhibit any democratic credentials. The paper however concludes that, it is not the party per se that is bad but its principal leaders. Therefore, it suggests that the party works from within to cause a change in its character and modus operandi.