Project – Impact of political corruption and political parties in Nigeria.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

Political corruption and political parties in Nigeria have been a subject of extensive research and discussion. According to Smith (2007), the political landscape in Nigeria has been significantly shaped by corruption, with political parties often being accused of engaging in corrupt practices to maintain power and control. This has resulted in a lack of trust in the political system and has hindered the development of democratic institutions. Smith further argues that corruption has become so entrenched in the political culture that it is often seen as a necessary evil for political survival.

Akindele (2005) provides a historical perspective on the issue, tracing the roots of political corruption in Nigeria back to the colonial era. He argues that the colonial administration’s focus on extraction and control, rather than development, created a political culture that was conducive to corruption. This culture was then perpetuated by the political parties that emerged after independence. Akindele’s work highlights the importance of understanding the historical context when analyzing the impact of political corruption in Nigeria.

The impact of political corruption on the economy is another area that has been extensively studied. According to Okonjo-Iweala (2012), corruption has had a devastating impact on Nigeria’s economy, draining resources, discouraging investment, and perpetuating poverty. She argues that political parties have often used corruption as a tool to maintain power, with little regard for the economic consequences. Okonjo-Iweala’s work provides a compelling argument for the need to tackle corruption in order to promote economic development.

In contrast, Achebe (1983) focuses on the social impact of political corruption. He argues that corruption has eroded social trust and undermined the social fabric of Nigerian society. According to Achebe, political parties have often exploited ethnic and religious divisions for their own gain, further exacerbating social tensions. This perspective provides a valuable insight into the social consequences of political corruption in Nigeria.

However, not all scholars agree on the extent of the impact of political corruption in Nigeria. According to Ayittey (1998), while corruption is undoubtedly a serious problem, it is not the only factor hindering Nigeria’s development. He argues that other factors, such as poor governance, lack of infrastructure, and inadequate education, also play a significant role. Ayittey’s work provides a more nuanced perspective on the issue, highlighting the complexity of Nigeria’s development challenges.

In conclusion, the literature on the impact of political corruption and political parties in Nigeria is extensive and diverse. While there is a general consensus that corruption is a major problem, there is also a recognition of the complexity of the issue. Further research is needed to fully understand the impact of corruption on Nigeria’s development and to develop effective strategies to tackle it.

• Statement of the Problem

The problem of political corruption and its impact on political parties in Nigeria is a complex and multifaceted issue. According to Smith (2007), corruption has been a persistent problem in Nigeria since its independence in 1960. The political landscape is riddled with instances of bribery, embezzlement, and nepotism, which have significantly undermined the effectiveness of political parties and the democratic process.

The second aspect of the problem lies in the fact that political parties in Nigeria are often seen as vehicles for corruption. As Adebayo (2015) points out, political parties are frequently used by corrupt politicians as platforms to gain power and access to state resources, which they then misuse for personal gain. This has led to a widespread lack of trust in political parties and the political system as a whole.

The third issue is the impact of this corruption on Nigeria’s development. According to Transparency International (2019), corruption in Nigeria has led to significant economic, social, and political problems. These include a lack of investment, poor infrastructure, low quality of education and healthcare, and high levels of inequality.

The fourth problem is the lack of effective anti-corruption measures. Despite numerous anti-corruption campaigns and initiatives, corruption remains a significant problem in Nigeria. As Ogbeidi (2012) argues, this is largely due to a lack of political will, weak institutions, and a culture of impunity.

The fifth issue is the role of international actors in perpetuating corruption in Nigeria. As Uzochukwu (2020) notes, foreign companies and governments have often been complicit in corruption in Nigeria, either by turning a blind eye or by actively participating in corrupt practices.

Finally, the sixth problem is the lack of research on the impact of political corruption on political parties in Nigeria. While there is a significant amount of research on corruption in Nigeria, there is a gap in the literature on how corruption specifically affects political parties. This is a significant gap that needs to be addressed in order to fully understand the problem and develop effective solutions (Akinola, 2018).

• Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the impact of political corruption and political parties in Nigeria.

1. To examine the historical context and evolution of political corruption within Nigeria’s major political parties.
2. To analyze the relationship between political corruption and the performance of political parties in Nigeria.
3. To assess the impact of political corruption on the public’s perception and trust in political parties in Nigeria.
4. To investigate the role of political parties in either curbing or exacerbating political corruption in Nigeria.

• Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What is the historical context and evolution of political corruption within Nigeria’s major political parties?
2. How does political corruption affect the performance of political parties in Nigeria?
3. What is the impact of political corruption on the public’s perception and trust in political parties in Nigeria?
4. What role do political parties play in either curbing or exacerbating political corruption in Nigeria?

• Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is stated below:

Ho: Political corruption has no significant impact on political parties in Nigeria.

H1: Political corruption has significant impact on political parties in Nigeria

 Significance of the Study

The study of the impact of political corruption and political parties in Nigeria, with a specific focus on the Rivers State general elections in 2023, holds significant importance for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of political corruption within the context of Nigeria’s political landscape. This understanding is crucial in formulating effective policies and strategies to combat corruption, which is a pervasive issue in Nigeria’s political system.

Secondly, this study offers an in-depth analysis of the role of political parties in either curbing or exacerbating political corruption. Political parties are key players in the political arena, and their actions and policies significantly influence the level of corruption. By examining their role, this study can provide insights into how political parties can be part of the solution to Nigeria’s corruption problem.

Thirdly, the study is significant as it investigates the relationship between political corruption and the performance of political parties. This is an important aspect to explore as it can reveal how corruption affects the functioning of political parties and their ability to deliver on their promises to the electorate. This can, in turn, inform strategies to improve the performance of political parties.

Furthermore, the study assesses the impact of political corruption on the public’s perception and trust in political parties. Public trust is a vital component of a functioning democracy, and understanding how corruption influences this trust can provide valuable insights into how to restore and maintain public faith in the political system.

The choice of Rivers State general elections in 2023 as a case study adds another layer of significance to this study. Rivers State, being one of the most politically active states in Nigeria, provides a rich context for examining the impact of political corruption. The findings from this case study can offer specific insights that can be applied to other similar contexts.

Lastly, this study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on political corruption and political parties in Nigeria. It fills a gap in the literature by providing a focused analysis of the Rivers State general elections in 2023. The findings from this study can be used to inform future research and policy-making in the area of political corruption and governance in Nigeria.

• Scope of the Study

The study examines the impact of political corruption and political parties in Nigeria. A case study of Rivers State general elections 2023,

• Operational Definition of terms

1. Impact: In the context of this study, impact refers to the effect or influence that political corruption and political parties have on various aspects of Nigeria’s society, economy, and governance. It can be positive or negative and can be measured in various ways, such as changes in public trust, economic performance, or social stability.
2. Political Corruption: This refers to the use of powers by government officials or their network contacts for illegitimate private gain. It can take many forms, such as bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, cronyism, and patronage. In the context of Nigeria, political corruption often involves the misuse of public resources, manipulation of policies, institutions and rules of procedure in the allocation of resources and financing by political decision makers.
3. Political Parties: These are organized groups of people who have the same ideology, or who otherwise have the same political positions, and who field candidates for elections, in an attempt to get them elected and thereby implement the party’s agenda. In Nigeria, political parties play a crucial role in the democratic process, providing a platform for political participation, representation, and leadership.

Project – Impact of political corruption and political parties in Nigeria.