Party politics, dearth of political ideology, and the 2023 presidential election in Nigeria

This article undertakes a critical examination of the paucity of political ideology within Nigeria's party system, with a particular focus on the 2023 presidential election. It further explores the ramifications of this deficiency on the political landscape and developmental trajectory of the c...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Round table (London) Vol. 113; no. 5; pp. 434 - 450
Main Author: Babalola, Dele
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: London Routledge 02-09-2024
Taylor & Francis Ltd
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Summary:This article undertakes a critical examination of the paucity of political ideology within Nigeria's party system, with a particular focus on the 2023 presidential election. It further explores the ramifications of this deficiency on the political landscape and developmental trajectory of the country. In liberal democracies, political ideology plays a crucial role in shaping the political system and determining the course of a state's political and economic development, but Nigeria's political landscape currently suffers from a lack of ideology. Political parties in Nigeria are not driven by ideas, beliefs, and values. They are not groups of individuals who share a common ideology, but rather serve as platforms for patronage and wealth accumulation for the political elites. This article advances the argument that the lack of political ideology in Nigerian politics weakens the political system and creates a democratic deficit. These factors challenge the process of democratic development in Nigeria.
ISSN:0035-8533
1474-029X
DOI:10.1080/00358533.2024.2410544