Too many parties with little or no electoral outcomes. Any way out?
Four year’s ago, Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) made headlines by deregistering 74 out of the 92 political parties in the country.
This decision, attributed to the poor performance of these parties in the 2019 general elections and court-ordered reruns, effectively streamlined the political landscape, leaving just 18 parties. While the move addressed some systemic inefficiencies, the question of whether Nigeria needs more or fewer political parties remains contentious as the country inches closer to the 2027 general elections.
INEC’s deregistration process was guided by the Fourth Alteration to the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), which outlined clear performance benchmarks for political parties.
Advocates for reducing the number of parties argue that it simplifies the electoral process. Long ballot papers, voting errors due to similar logos, and a cumbersome voting system have been longstanding challenges.
As observed many parties appeared to lack genuine political intent, existing only to further personal or narrow agendas rather than representing the electorate’s interests.
However, critics of deregistration contend that a robust multi-party system is essential for a thriving democracy. They argue that opposition parties play a pivotal role in holding the government accountable, advocating for policy reforms, and amplifying diverse voices within the political landscape.
The Warning
Limiting the number of parties, they warn, could stifle political innovation and deny Nigerians a broad spectrum of choices. For democracy to flourish, these critics emphasize, the solution lies not in trimming party numbers but in strengthening ideological foundations and promoting accountability among existing parties.
The recent clamor for the registration of 25 new political parties ahead of the 2027 elections further complicates the debate. If approved, this would bring the total number of political parties to 43. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, views the high volume of applications as a sign of a functional party system. However, this optimism must be tempered by the realities of Nigeria’s political culture, where many parties lack national reach and focus primarily on local or state elections.
For Nigeria to balance diversity with functionality, there is a need for institutional reforms. As Senate President Godswill Akpabio suggests, repositioning political parties for transparency and accountability is essential to restoring public trust.
Annual compliance assessments, as advocated by political leaders like James Vernimbe of Action Alliance, can ensure parties adhere to statutory requirements. While the freedom to establish parties is central to democratic ideals, Nigeria must prioritize quality over quantity, ensuring that its political system is not just inclusive but also efficient and representative.
