Assessment of the Causes and Consequences of Intra-Party Crisis in the Nigerian Democratic Processes and Development

Abstract

Due in part to the absence of internal democracy inside the party, intra-party disputes within the All Progressive Congress have been a significant problem to address under the Fourth Republic. A variety of techniques for including party members in intra-party discussion and decision-making are referred to as internal democracy. According to some proponents of internal democracy, parties that use these processes are more likely to choose more competent and likable leaders, have better programs, and, as a consequence, have higher electoral success and a peaceful, rancour-free environment. However, the characteristics and trends of party politics, particularly in the fourth republic, have led to numerous disputes and crises that have beyond the boundaries of the political party and, as a result, intensified to the point of elections. Therefore, this study investigated the nature of intra-party disagreements inside the APC. What are the causes of disputes inside the APC party? More significantly, how do intra-party disputes affect Nigerian elections? Prebendalism, weakness, corruption, a lack of internal democracy, a lack of ideology, lingering crises, and overpowering complexities that prevent political parties from carrying out their noble duty of strengthening good governance were the backdrop against which these concerns were examined. Using both primary and secondary data, the study used a mixed research approach. Additionally, the study generated secondary data which were analyzed using content analysis, whereas the interview was analyzed using descriptive methods. Results indicated that intra-party disputes had intensified and impacted Nigeria's election management. Elections have resulted from the APC's inability to control the differences and contours among its members and diverse groupings. It also identified the main causes of intra-party conflicts in the APC, including a lack of transparency in the party's financial administration, a lack of clear ideologies, money bag politics, the use of offensive and unguarded language, the selection of candidates for general elections, the growing extent of political vagrancy based on selfish and local interests, the high level of party indiscipline and intolerance, and issues with leadership recruitment. The research suggested, among other things, that political parties be strengthened with a defined philosophy, openness, internal democratic ideals, and a robust and trustworthy crisis management system. Although the study comes to the conclusion that intra-party disputes give a political party a negative reputation and reduce its ability to win an election, it also emphasizes that disputes cannot be completely avoided in a large political party because such parties are likely to have a variety of viewpoints and interests regarding a political cause.