POLITICAL PARTIES

CONTENT

1. The Meaning of Political Parties
2. Functions of Political Parties

The Meaning of Political Parties

Political parties can be seen as an organization of citizens bound together by common interest in the nation’s politics, and having the desire to contest elections with the aim of forming government. It can also be seen as organized groups of people that share common political beliefs, values, philosophies, ideologies and interest with the motive of contesting and winning elections so as to control the machinery of government. Furthermore, political parties can also be referred to as organized groups of individuals who share the same political ideologies, beliefs, and interests and who are seeking to win elections and control the state power and machinery of government.

For any political party to contest for election in Nigeria, it must meet the electoral requirements and conditions as stipulated in the Electoral Act and constitution and must have registered with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

It is worthy to note at this point that Nigeria operates a multiparty system.

Functions of Political Parties

The functions of political parties include:

1. To contest elections.