The Nigeria Political Science Association (NPSA) has called on the federal government to provide funding for political parties in order to prevent undue influence by wealthy individuals and ensure the sustainability of democracy in Nigeria.
The association argues that the current state of political parties is detrimental to the nation’s democracy and that government support could address these challenges.
Speaking in Ilorin, Kwara State, NPSA President Professor Hassan Salihu emphasised that political parties are critical to the survival and growth of democracy. He pointed out that if political parties are strengthened, a significant portion of Nigeria’s political challenges could be resolved.
“If political parties are healthy, democracy will perform well, and if they are not, it will affect democracy too,” Salihu explained. He further stated that no one can attain political office in Nigeria without affiliation with a political party, highlighting the importance of addressing the internal issues within these parties.
Salihu also criticised the current state of party leadership, describing many leaders as being influenced by those with access to financial resources rather than public interest. He argued that without proper funding from the government, political parties are vulnerable to the control of moneybags, who appoint personal associates to key positions within the party.
“The idea of government funding political parties is not a strange one; there are countries where this is done,” he said.
According to Salihu, if the government provides funding, it can ensure that political parties operate transparently and are held accountable. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in auditing political party finances and suggested that a lack of government funding leads parties to seek financial support from external sources, compromising their independence.
“If you give me money and I generate money on my own, I have the right to spend it the way I want. You only have legitimacy to ask me to account for it,” he said.
Salihu also advocated for strengthening INEC’s independence to prevent the influence of the ruling government over political parties.
“Let the people in INEC be truly independent, not by name,” he stated, emphasising that only an independent commission can ensure that political parties adhere to the law.
Furthermore, Salihu expressed concern about smaller political parties being controlled by larger, dominant parties, rendering them unable to operate independently. He argued that political party officials should be carefully selected and trained, noting that the current practice of compensating failed candidates by appointing them as party leaders is ineffective.
“There should be a program to train party officials,” he urged, emphasising that the culture of party ownership by individuals needs to end.
On the ongoing political coalitions in the country, Salihu noted that while they are allowed, he was concerned that many coalitions appear to be driven by personal political ambitions rather than national interest.
He stressed that coalitions should focus on advancing the country’s needs, not just serving the political aspirations of a few individuals.
The NPSA’s call for government funding of political parties and reforms in party leadership comes amid growing concerns about the influence of money in Nigerian politics and the weakening of democratic institutions.
