Intra-party democracy and leadership selection process in Nigeria: issues, misconceptions and prospects (2018-2023)

Party democracy and its concepts represent the existence and application of norms and values that guides a democratic setting, and Nigerian political system is not an exception. It is expected that each political party should, as a matter of obligation, adhere strictly to the rules guiding leadership recruitment processes internally. But, records have shown that the reverse has been the case in Nigeria. This paper examined intra-party democracy and leadership recruitment process in Nigeria. The study is qualitative and descriptive research design was adopted. The method of data collection was documentary review of relevant literature. Content analysis technique was adopted in the interpretation of data. Through the study, it was observed that, elite fragmentation due to selfish ambitions, violation of electoral laws and party constitution are largely responsible for the absence of intra-party democracy in Nigeria. The study concluded that, intra-party democracy can only be achieved if party leaderships respect their party rules, and electoral laws. It recommended that, the electoral body (INEC) should be empowered by legislation to ban politicians found culpable in the violation of electoral laws in the constitution from participating in political activities for twenty years. By doing so, those who find solace in violating democratic norms will be weeded out from the political system. There should be proper monitoring and strict enforcement of sections; 91 (4), and 92 (1-8) of electoral Act 2010 relating to limitation of election expenses by candidates and political parties to forestall ‘cash and carry’ method during leadership recruitment process.