Recent reports show that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) are facing deep internal divisions, including leadership disputes, corruption allegations and prolonged legal battles, weakening their organisational capacity.
Research Analyst at the Centre for Democracy and Development, Dengiyefa Angalapu, said the crises are severe and could shape the outcome of the elections. “These issues are very, very serious. Some of these challenges will determine the next election,” Angalapu said.
Angalapu said the problems extend beyond internal party weaknesses, describing them as part of a broader political environment. “The competition has been on a downslide because of the internal crisis of political parties,” Angalapu said.
Angalapu pointed to protracted court cases, factional infighting and governance issues as key factors undermining opposition cohesion.
However, Angalapu said the situation is more complex, suggesting that external political dynamics may also be contributing to instability within opposition ranks. “You will see opposition parties are weakened in different ways,” Angalapu said.
Angalapu argued that in Nigeria, such weakening often occurs through less direct means than in some other African countries. “In Nigeria, it is basically through the courts or the infiltration of those political parties,” Angalapu said.
Angalapu said parties perceived as credible threats to the ruling All Progressives Congress tend to face intensified challenges. “Any particular party that is seen as a threat… is targeted,” Angalapu said.
Angalapu also highlighted concerns over internal democratic processes, particularly candidate selection. “The recruitment process from political party primaries has always been very flawed,” Angalapu said.
Angalapu said disputed primaries can undermine party legitimacy and weaken electoral competitiveness.
Despite Nigeria having more than 21 registered political parties, the ADC and NDC remain the most prominent opposition forces, making their internal stability critical to the overall electoral landscape.
Angalapu said the current situation reflects deeper systemic issues within Nigeria’s political system. “These issues are across the board,” Angalapu said.
–ChannelAfrica–
