Project – The Peoples Democratic party intra- party conflict and Democratic consolidation in Nigeria, 2019 – 2023.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has been a significant player in Nigeria’s political landscape since the country’s return to democratic rule in 1999. However, the period from 2019 to 2023 has been marked by notable intra-party conflicts that have had implications for democratic consolidation in Nigeria. Intra-party conflicts within the PDP have been characterized by factionalism, leadership tussles, and ideological differences, which have often led to a weakening of the party’s cohesion and effectiveness. According to Omotola (2020), these conflicts have not only affected the PDP’s electoral performance but have also had broader implications for Nigeria’s democratic stability.

Factionalism within the PDP has been a persistent issue, with various factions vying for control of the party’s leadership and resources. This has often resulted in parallel party structures and conflicting loyalties among party members. For instance, the leadership crisis that emerged following the 2019 general elections saw the emergence of multiple factions within the PDP, each claiming legitimacy. As noted by Akinola (2021), such factionalism undermines the party’s ability to present a united front, thereby weakening its position as a viable opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This, in turn, affects the overall health of Nigeria’s democracy, as a strong and cohesive opposition is essential for holding the government accountable.

Leadership tussles within the PDP have also been a significant source of intra-party conflict. The struggle for leadership positions often leads to intense rivalries and power struggles, which can result in the marginalization of certain groups within the party. For example, the contest for the party’s national chairmanship in 2021 was marked by allegations of manipulation and favoritism, leading to discontent among party members. According to Ibrahim (2022), such leadership crises can erode trust and confidence in the party’s internal democratic processes, thereby weakening its organizational capacity and effectiveness.

Ideological differences within the PDP have further exacerbated intra-party conflicts. While the party was initially founded on a broad-based platform that sought to accommodate diverse interests, over time, ideological divisions have emerged, particularly on issues such as economic policy and governance. These divisions have often led to policy incoherence and internal disagreements, which can hinder the party’s ability to articulate a clear and consistent vision for Nigeria’s development. As observed by Nwankwo (2023), ideological conflicts within the PDP can also lead to defections and the formation of splinter groups, further fragmenting the party and reducing its electoral competitiveness.

The impact of intra-party conflicts on democratic consolidation in Nigeria cannot be overstated. Democratic consolidation refers to the process by which a new democracy matures, in a way that means it is unlikely to revert to authoritarianism without an external shock. Intra-party conflicts within the PDP have often resulted in electoral losses and a weakened opposition, which can undermine the checks and balances necessary for a healthy democracy. According to Diamond (2019), a strong and effective opposition is crucial for democratic consolidation, as it provides a counterbalance to the ruling party and ensures that the government remains accountable to the people.

Intra-party conflicts within the PDP from 2019 to 2023 have had significant implications for democratic consolidation in Nigeria. Factionalism, leadership tussles, and ideological differences have weakened the party’s cohesion and effectiveness, thereby affecting its ability to function as a strong opposition. This, in turn, has broader implications for Nigeria’s democratic stability, as a weakened opposition can undermine the checks and balances necessary for a healthy democracy. Future research should focus on identifying strategies to mitigate intra-party conflicts and strengthen the internal democratic processes within political parties in Nigeria.

1.2. Statement of the Problem

The intra-party conflict within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria from 2019 to 2023 has posed significant challenges to the country’s democratic consolidation. The PDP, one of Nigeria’s major political parties, has experienced internal strife that has affected its ability to function effectively as a political entity. This period has been marked by factionalism, leadership tussles, and ideological differences, which have not only weakened the party but also impacted the broader democratic process in Nigeria. The internal conflicts have often led to a lack of cohesion and unity within the party, making it difficult for the PDP to present a united front in elections and governance.

One of the primary issues contributing to the intra-party conflict within the PDP is the struggle for leadership positions. The competition for control of the party’s leadership has often resulted in bitter disputes and legal battles. These leadership crises have created a sense of instability within the party, as different factions vie for dominance. The lack of a clear and accepted leadership structure has hindered the party’s ability to effectively strategize and mobilize its members, leading to a weakened opposition against the ruling party.

Additionally, ideological differences within the PDP have exacerbated the intra-party conflict. The party comprises members with diverse political beliefs and agendas, which has made it challenging to maintain a cohesive policy direction. These ideological rifts have often led to disagreements on key issues, further deepening the divisions within the party. The inability to reconcile these differences has resulted in a fragmented party that struggles to present a unified vision to the electorate.

The impact of the PDP’s internal conflicts on Nigeria’s democratic consolidation cannot be overstated. A strong and united opposition is crucial for a healthy democracy, as it provides a check on the ruling party and offers alternative policies and governance strategies. The PDP’s internal strife has weakened its role as an effective opposition, thereby reducing the overall competitiveness of the political landscape. This has implications for democratic accountability and the quality of governance in Nigeria.

Moreover, the intra-party conflicts have also affected the PDP’s electoral performance. The lack of unity and internal cohesion has often led to poor campaign strategies and a failure to effectively mobilize voters. This has resulted in electoral losses and a diminished presence in key political offices. The party’s weakened state has also made it more susceptible to defections, as members seek more stable and promising political platforms. These defections further erode the party’s strength and influence.

In conclusion, the intra-party conflict within the Peoples Democratic Party from 2019 to 2023 has had significant implications for democratic consolidation in Nigeria. The leadership struggles, ideological differences, and resulting instability have weakened the party’s ability to function effectively as an opposition force. This has impacted the overall competitiveness of the political system and the quality of democratic governance. Addressing these internal conflicts is crucial for the PDP to regain its strength and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s democratic process.

1.3. Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the Peoples Democratic party intra- party conflict and Democratic consolidation in Nigeria, 2019 – 2023. The specific objectives are:

1. To analyze the root causes of intra-party conflict within the Peoples Democratic Party in Nigeria.
2. To examine the impact of intra-party conflict on the party’s ability to promote democratic consolidation in Nigeria.
3. To assess the strategies employed by the Peoples Democratic Party to address internal conflicts and promote party unity.
4. To evaluate the role of leadership dynamics in exacerbating or mitigating intra-party conflict within the party.

1.4. Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What are the root causes of intra-party conflict within the Peoples Democratic Party in Nigeria?
2. How does intra-party conflict impact the party’s ability to promote democratic consolidation in Nigeria?
3. What strategies has the Peoples Democratic Party employed to address internal conflicts and promote party unity?
4. How do leadership dynamics contribute to exacerbating or mitigating intra-party conflict within the party?

1.5. Research hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below;

Ho: Intra-Party conflict has no impact on the party’s ability to promote democratic consolidation in Nigeria.

H1: Intra-Party conflict has impact on the party’s ability to promote democratic consolidation in Nigeria.

1.6. Significance of the Study

The study of intra-party conflict within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria from 2019 to 2023 is significant for several reasons. Firstly, the PDP has been one of the major political parties in Nigeria since the country’s return to democratic rule in 1999. Understanding the internal dynamics and conflicts within such a pivotal party provides insights into the broader political landscape of Nigeria. Intra-party conflicts can influence party cohesion, electoral success, and the overall stability of the political system. By examining these conflicts, the study sheds light on the challenges and opportunities for democratic consolidation in Nigeria.

Secondly, the period from 2019 to 2023 is particularly important because it encompasses a general election cycle, including the 2019 presidential and legislative elections. The outcomes of these elections and the internal conflicts within the PDP during this period have significant implications for the party’s future and its role in Nigeria’s democracy. The study can help identify the factors that contributed to the party’s successes or failures in these elections and how internal conflicts may have affected its electoral performance. This analysis is crucial for understanding the dynamics of party competition and the prospects for democratic consolidation in Nigeria.

Thirdly, intra-party conflicts within the PDP can have broader implications for the Nigerian political system. Political parties are essential institutions in a democracy, and their internal functioning can impact the overall quality of democratic governance. If intra-party conflicts lead to factionalism, defections, or weakened party structures, it can undermine the effectiveness of the party system and hinder democratic consolidation. By examining the causes and consequences of intra-party conflicts within the PDP, the study can provide valuable insights into the health of Nigeria’s party system and the prospects for democratic stability.

Fourthly, the study is significant because it can contribute to the broader literature on party politics and democratic consolidation in Africa. Nigeria is one of the largest and most influential countries on the continent, and its political developments have regional and global implications. By analyzing the intra-party conflicts within the PDP, the study can offer lessons and comparative insights for other African countries facing similar challenges. It can also contribute to the theoretical understanding of how intra-party dynamics affect democratic consolidation in emerging democracies.

Fifthly, the study has practical implications for policymakers, political actors, and civil society organizations in Nigeria. By identifying the root causes of intra-party conflicts and their impact on democratic consolidation, the study can inform strategies for conflict resolution and party reform. Policymakers can use the findings to design interventions that promote party cohesion, internal democracy, and effective conflict management. Political actors can benefit from understanding the dynamics of intra-party conflicts and their implications for electoral success. Civil society organizations can use the insights to advocate for reforms that strengthen democratic institutions and processes.

Finally, the study is significant because it can contribute to the ongoing efforts to deepen democracy in Nigeria. Democratic consolidation is a complex and multifaceted process that requires the active participation of political parties, institutions, and citizens. By examining the intra-party conflicts within the PDP and their impact on democratic consolidation, the study can provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for strengthening democracy in Nigeria. It can also contribute to the broader discourse on democratic development and the role of political parties in promoting democratic governance.

1.7. Scope of the Study

The study examines the Peoples Democratic party intra- party conflict and Democratic consolidation in Nigeria, 2019 – 2023. The study is limited to Peoples Democratic party.

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

1. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP): The Peoples Democratic Party is one of the major political parties in Nigeria. Founded in 1998, it has been a significant player in the country’s political landscape. The PDP has produced several presidents, including Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and Goodluck Jonathan. The party’s platform generally emphasizes social democracy, economic liberalism, and a commitment to democratic principles.
2. Intra-party: The term “intra-party” refers to activities, conflicts, or dynamics that occur within a single political party. This can include debates over policy, leadership contests, factionalism, and other forms of internal competition or disagreement. Intra-party dynamics are crucial for understanding how a party functions and evolves over time.
3. Conflict: Conflict, in a political context, refers to a situation where there is a disagreement or clash between different groups or individuals. This can be due to differences in opinions, interests, or goals. Intra-party conflict specifically refers to such disagreements within a single political party, which can affect its unity, effectiveness, and public image.

4. Democratic Consolidation: Democratic consolidation is the process by which a new democracy matures, in a way that means it is unlikely to revert to authoritarianism without an external shock. This involves the stabilization of democratic institutions, the establishment of a political culture that supports democracy, and the development of a robust civil society. It is a critical phase for ensuring that democratic gains are sustainable and that the political system can withstand challenges.

Project – The Peoples Democratic party intra- party conflict and Democratic consolidation in Nigeria, 2019 – 2023.