Political Parties in Nigeria Lack Ideology – Speaker Abbas

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has criticized the lack of clear ideologies in Nigerian political parties, saying many serve personal interests rather than national development.

Represented by Ishaya Lalu at a workshop in Abuja on Monday, Abbas said Nigerians should demand more from political parties and their leaders.

The event, focused on the Political Parties Bill, was organized by the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES), in collaboration with YIAGA Africa and the Kukah Centre.

Abbas compared Nigeria’s political system to those in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Sweden, which he said have regulatory systems that uphold party values and ideologies.

“In the U.S., the Federal Election Commission (FEC) regulates campaign funding and party registration. Similarly, in the U.K., the Electoral Commission ensures accountability in party operations,” he said.

He said political party funding in Nigeria is often controlled by wealthy individuals who use the system to impose candidates.

“Our political parties have become tools in the hands of businessmen and politicians who invest in them for personal gains, not for democratic values,” he said.

Abbas also said political actors in Nigeria frequently switch parties based on convenience, unlike in countries where members remain loyal to party ideologies.

“In places like the U.S., Germany, India, and Canada, parties have strong ideological foundations. In contrast, Nigerian parties lack that discipline and consistency,” he added.

He referred to the Political Parties Bill before the National Assembly, which proposes an independent body to regulate party registration, operations, and funding.

“The bill aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and public trust in political parties. It proposes a structure that operates independently of government control to ensure fairness and integrity in party operations,” he explained.

Chairman of the House Committee on Political Party Matters, Zakari Nyampa, also spoke at the event, supporting the bill.

“This bill is essential. It promotes transparency and accountability in political party operations and aligns with our democratic growth,” Nyampa said.

— NAN

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