Group Urges FG to Support Political Parties to Strengthen Democracy

The Nigeria Political Science Association (NPSA) has called on the Federal Government to provide direct financial support to political parties, warning that the current funding shortfall threatens democratic sustainability and allows wealthy individuals to exert undue influence.In a recent address in Ilorin, Kwara State, NPSA President Professor Hassan Salihu highlighted that political parties are foundational to any democratic system and need institutional strengthening for democracy to flourish. He noted that the fragile state of party structures in Nigeria significantly contributes to the nation’s political instability.“A robust party system is essential for a functional democracy,” Salihu remarked. “In Nigeria, access to political office is contingent on affiliation with a political party, yet these parties are frequently commandeered by affluent individuals prioritizing personal gain over the public interest.”Professor Salihu lamented the increasing dominance of wealthy figures in party leadership, arguing that their financial power undermines internal democracy and compromises transparency and accountability. He asserted that government funding, if managed effectively, could diminish reliance on external financiers and restore integrity to party politics.“When parties independently raise funds, they often evade oversight. Government support would provide the moral authority needed to demand accountability,” he explained.He also emphasized the challenges faced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in auditing party finances effectively. Salihu advocated for INEC’s full autonomy, insisting that only a genuinely independent electoral body can enforce compliance with political party regulations.“INEC must operate independently in structure and function to ensure that political parties adhere to democratic standards,” he stated.Additionally, the NPSA president expressed concern over the marginalization of smaller political parties, many of which are manipulated by dominant parties and struggle to operate independently. He called for a shift away from rewarding unsuccessful candidates with leadership positions, describing this practice as counterproductive.“There must be intentional efforts to train and empower party officials. Leadership should be based on competence, not consolation,” he emphasized.Regarding the trend of political coalitions, Salihu cautioned that many alliances are motivated more by personal ambition than by the nation’s interests. He urged political actors to pursue collaborations that genuinely advance Nigeria’s democratic development rather than merely serving individual political agendas.The NPSA’s appeal comes amid growing public concern about the detrimental influence of money in Nigerian politics and the urgent need to rebuild trust in democratic institutions.