Role of Opposition Parties in Nigerian Democracy: A Comparative Analysis of People’s Democratic Party and Labour Party
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Date
2024-12-30
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Abuja Journal of Administration & Management
Abstract
Opposition parties have been seen as promoters of good governance, act as watchdogs and serve as
alternative governments through fostering political participation and promoting accountability. It is
against this background and stated problems that the study assessed the role of opposition parties in
Nigerian democracy: A comparative anaysis of People’s Democratic Party and Labour Party. In
this study, qualitative research design was used. Face-to-face (FtF) interview was instrument of data
collection while secondary method was also adopted to augment the primary data collected.
Thematic analysis was carefully employed to give meaning to data generated. The study found that:
opposition parties in Nigeria, such as the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party, have
played an important role in fostering political participation among citizens and promoting
accountability among government officials and institutions. Some of the ways in which they have
done so include scrutinizing government policies and actions and providing an alternative voice.
Comparing the role played by PDP and LP in Nigerian democracy, especially in terms of fostering
accountability and promoting political participation; the study found that as PDP has been criticized
for its lack of accountability during its time in power, with allegations of corruption and cronyism.
However, it has also played a role in fostering political participation through its engagement with
citizens and its role as a dominant party; LP on the other hand has positioned itself as a party of
accountability, with a focus on transparency and anti-corruption. It has also sought to foster political
participation through its engagement with citizens, particularly young people and workers. The study
generally recommends among others the need for transparency and political will on the part of the
ruling party and the government will create a level playing field for all political parties to thrive