BEYOND ONE PARTY STATE DOMINANCE: A REVIEW OF RECURRENT ISSUES IN NIGERIA’S FOURTH REPUBLIC

This study investigates the recurring concerns connected with party dominance in Nigeria's Fourth Republic, focusing on the obstacles given by the de facto two-party system dominated by the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the All-Progressives Congress (APC). While Nigeria restored multiparty democracy in the 1990s, genuine democratic consolidation has been hampered by entrenched power dynamics, patronage networks, and a lack of political variety. The PDP's long-standing dominance from 1999 to 2015, followed by the APC's rise, has created a political environment that marginalizes minor parties and inhibits true political competition. This research also looks into the impact of internal party democracy, ethnic and regional politics, political defections, and the widespread influence of political godfathers on Nigeria's political landscape. Recent events, notably the rise of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, indicate a probable shift in political dynamics, as urban and young voters increasingly prioritize governance and policy problems over ethnic and regional loyalty. The findings show that voters are more aware of the relevance of programmatic socioeconomic issues, implying that Nigeria's democratic norms are maturing. However, the persistent issues of weak opposition, limited political competition, and entrenched corruption create serious worries about the survival of democracy in the Fourth Republic. This study adds to our knowledge of Nigeria's political trajectory by emphasizing the need for election changes to build a more inclusive and competitive political scene.