Resolving Political Party Disputes in Nigeria's Elections

The article addresses the persistent issue of political party disputes in Nigeria, which often escalate into violence and factionalism, particularly during election periods. It highlights that the judiciary is frequently overwhelmed with intra-party disputes, which are not justiciable, leading to prolonged litigation that wastes court resources.

The article notes that political parties in Nigeria face significant leadership and organizational challenges, resulting in crises marked by suspensions and expulsions of members. It emphasizes the lack of internal democracy within parties, the imposition of candidates, and the abuse of incumbency.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is mentioned as a body that qualifies and disqualifies candidates, yet political parties struggle to utilize internal dispute resolution mechanisms effectively. The article advocates for the development of innovative methods to assist political parties in resolving disputes, suggesting that establishing a legal basis for intervention may be necessary to enhance the electoral process and ensure compliance with constitutional provisions.