INEC decries lack of clear ideology in party politics

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said most political parties in Nigeria operate without a clear or functional ideology. According to the commission, the absence of ideology undermines internal democracy, fuels electoral crises, and erodes public trust in the political and governance system.

INEC National Commissioner, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, stated this yesterday in Abuja at the public presentation of the Political Party Performance Index (PPPI) developed by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) and the newly adopted Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Constitution.

He said the commission had observed with concern that while many parties submitted ideological statements as part of their registration requirements, they failed to uphold or implement them after approval.

According to him, political parties are expected to function as institutions that articulate the collective interests of the people, but they have instead become platforms for elite power struggles. He added that INEC was developing new frameworks to monitor and enforce internal compliance with party constitutions, particularly as the 2027 General Elections approach.

The Political Party Performance Index (PPPI), developed by WFD, presents an assessment of party performance in Nigeria. Measuring across three critical dimensions: inclusivity, legal compliance, and public outreach, the report revealed a striking disconnect between what political parties claim, and the reality experienced by members and the public.

The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, linked the absence of ideology to rampant defections and opportunistic coalitions across party lines.

Chinda, referencing scholars like Larry Diamond and Said Adejumobi, argued that political parties in Nigeria had become instruments of elite control rather than channels of democratic expression.

On his part, the IPAC Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, hailed the document as a step toward restoring discipline and transparency within party systems. According to WFD Country Director, Adebowale Olorunmola, the PPPI is not just a scorecard but a roadmap for democratic renewal. He said that strong, transparent, and citizen-responsive political parties were essential to consolidating Nigeria’s democracy.