'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - Prominent Nigerian leaders, including former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, ex-senate president, Anyim Pius Anyim; Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu among others, underscored the imperative of political stability, internal party democracy, and electoral reforms during the launch of a historic book commemorating 100 years of political party evolution in Nigeria.
The event, organized by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) at the Abuja Continental Hotel, highlighted Nigeria’s democratic journey and the challenges ahead.
The book, “100 Years of Political Parties Evolution in Nigeria: The Imperative of Nigeria’s Political Stability – Issues and Solutions,” chronicles the nation’s political trajectory from the formation of its first party in 1923 to the present day.
Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar: Reflecting on Democratic Milestones
As the military leader who transitioned power to civilian rule in 1999, Gen. Abubakar hailed Nigeria’s resilience despite past military interventions. “Democracy has come to stay,” he declared, emphasizing that “when leaders are patriotic, passionate, and resolute in building strong institutions, democracy flourishes.” He urged stakeholders to nurture democratic values, citing ongoing constitutional and electoral reforms to address systemic flaws.
Abubakar also called for a return to foundational party principles such as: supremacy of party leadership to curb factionalism. Adherence to manifestos to ensure accountability and ideology-driven membership to foster coherent governance agendas.
“There is no alternative to civil rule,” he asserted, praising IPAC for documenting Nigeria’s political evolution as a guide for future generations.
INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu: “Parties are Democracy’s Oxygen”
Prof. Yakubu described political parties as “the oxygen of Nigeria’s political system,” stressing their irreplaceable role in elections. He outlined critical areas for improvement:
Yakubu lamented the lack of credible primaries, which often lead to litigation and public distrust. “A democratic society begins with democratic parties,” he stated, urging parties to prioritize transparent candidate selection.
Highlighting INEC’s collaboration with the National Assembly, Yakubu revealed plans for a retreat to address pressing amendments to the Electoral Act and Constitution. “Reforms require collective advocacy,” he said, challenging IPAC to champion legislative changes for fairer elections.
Yakubu praised IPAC’s role in bridging parties and institutions, calling for intensified voter education and dialogue. “Our partnership has improved election management, but deeper engagement is needed,” he added.
The IPAC-authored volume traces Nigeria’s party system through colonial rule, post-independence turbulence, military regimes, and the Fourth Republic. It serves as both a historical record and a policy toolkit, addressing contemporary issues like voter apathy, party financing, and ideological vagueness.
Both leaders framed the centenary as a catalyst for renewal. Abubakar expressed optimism that Nigeria would “witness sustainable democracy” through continued reforms, while Yakubu urged parties to “build institutions, not behemoths,” rooted in the rule of law.
As Nigeria approaches its third decade of unbroken democracy, the event underscored the urgency of learning from the past to fortify the future. The book launch symbolized a collective resolve to confront challenges head-on, with Yakubu’s closing remark resonating: “Our democracy must grow from strength to strength.”
