General News
STAKEHOLDERS and political analysts have advocated for a “home-grown” democratic system for Nigeria that reflects the country’s historical evolution, socio-cultural realities and development aspirations.
The stakeholders made the call on Tuesday in Lokoja at a roundtable organised by the Department of Political Science, Federal University Lokoja (FUL).
The event, which brought together academics, civil society actors and political stakeholders, had the theme: “Democracy and Multipartysm in Nigeria: Challenges and Way Forward.”
Prof. Abraham Peter, Head of the Department of Political Science, said Nigeria had made remarkable progress in sustaining constitutional rule and expanding political participation.
Peter, however, noted that the country’s democratic process continued to face significant challenges.
“Multiparty democracy remains one of the pillars of democratic governance, providing citizens with choices and opportunities for political representation”, he said.
Also speaking, Dr Orunyomi Orungbami, a lecturer in the department and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, said the multiparty system was widely appreciated because of its competitiveness, provision of alternative ideas and wider choices for the electorate.
He noted that Nigeria had largely operated a multiparty system throughout its democratic history, adding that the system encouraged political participation and accountability.
Prof. Olubumi Ajayi, Provost, College of Postgraduate Studies, FUL, said Nigeria remained a multiparty state because the constitution guaranteed freedom of association and provided for the existence and participation of political parties.
“We should educate citizens that the Nigerian state does not operate a one-party system unless the constitution is further amended,” he said.
Ajayi, who was the lead discussant, said Nigeria’s democracy had undergone several transformations from the colonial era through independence to the post-independence period.
He explained that while liberal democracy emphasized inclusion, openness, citizens’ participation and periodic elections, radical democracy questioned the adequacy of such values in addressing societal challenges.
The don expressed concern that Nigeria appeared to be drifting towards a dominant-party system, noting that opposition parties were increasingly being weakened.
“Political alliances had historically been part of democratic evolution, but current trends suggested attempts to capture and render opposition parties ineffective”, he said.
Also contributing, Amb. Hamza Aliyu, Executive Director of Initiative for Grassroots Advancement (INGRA), identified a disconnect between the theory and practice of democracy in Nigeria.
Aliyu stressed the need for the country to identify democratic principles and practices that best suited its peculiar realities.
Discussants identified the lack of ideology among political parties as one of the major challenges confronting Nigeria’s democracy.
Representing the Chairman of the Kogi State Inter-Party Advisory Council, Hon. Ibrahim Itodo said most political parties were driven by personal interests rather than ideological convictions.
“The formation of parties did not evolve from ideologies but selfish interests, including the quest for power and access to resources,” he said.
He noted that the trend has encouraged frequent defections among politicians and weakened party loyalty.
The stakeholders also observed that internal democratic values necessary for effective governance were lacking within political parties.
Ahmed Muazu, an administrator, noted that citizens’ participation in governance was often limited to election periods.
“Participation is only during elections. No one cares what happens afterwards,” he said.
On the way forward, Dr Aishat Adaranijo, a discussant, said Nigeria’s lived experiences should guide the development of its democratic model.
The stakeholders recommended that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) be relieved of non-electoral responsibilities such as voter education to enable it focus on the conduct of credible elections.
They also advocated the development of political parties based on ideology, clearer roles for INEC and security agencies during elections, and the strengthening of civic and political education.
The participants further stressed the need to improve political consciousness through sustained sensitization, noting that civic education should be given greater prominence in schools.
NAN reports that the event was attended by the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, heads of departments, directors of institutes, legal practitioners, civil society organisations and alumni of FUL.
(NAN)
W.U
June 17, 2026
Tags: Dr Aishat Adaranijo Dr Orunyomi Orungbami Prof. Abraham Peter Prof. Olubumi Ajayi