Factions In Political Parties Signal Absence Of Internal Democracy — University Don

A political scientist in the Department of Political Science at the University of Jos, Prof. Ezekiel Major Adeyi, has stated that factions within political parties indicate that internal democracy is missing or on long recess.

Adeyi made the disclosure while giving expert analysis on the implications of the recent court judgment against the Sen. David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The scholar, who spoke to our correspondent in Jos, the Plateau State capital, warned that this must be revisited and given a place of honour if we want a credible democracy in Nigeria.

“The problem is foundational. Our party system is structured to favour political adventurists. They move to an existing party and take over the structure against popular opinion,” he said.

He argued that when a party operates on fragmented ownership, it would require uncommon efforts to make a breakthrough.

“The problem with ADC is purely internal — the original members and the powerful newcomers. It is the court that can actually decide and give judgment,” he added.

Adeyi added that, “Unfortunately, politicians take sides and make the matter worse. The Supreme Court judgment is what will seal the matter. The parties have the right to make their appeal to the last stage.”

According to him, the lesson learnt here is that electoral law should not allow people to move like bees to take over an existing party through waivers or back-door arrangements with the Exco of such parties.

On the way forward, Adeyi advised that the affected people should meet to engage in dialogue with the aggrieved faction and make compromises to save democracy.

He challenged the ADC to be honest with itself, face the reality of the electoral process and mend fences within, adding that if they are united, external influence will not be able to infiltrate them.

“You know Peter Obi had that problem in the last election when he contested on the platform of the Labour Party. He was fortunate that the then prospective presidential candidate stepped down for him,” he said.

He maintained that the supremacy of political parties must be grounded in integrity, adding that jumping to parties and taking party tickets should go beyond financial capability.