OPINION - Party Rancour, Election Outcomes, And Political Implications In The Democratic Development Of Nigeria

Written By Nduka Anyanwu 

Nigeria’s journey toward deepening its democracy has been characterized by a complex interplay of political rivalry, electoral outcomes, and the quest for political stability. As the nation prepares for the 2027 elections, the insights of Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa, National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), offer a vital perspective on how party rancor and election results influence Nigeria’s democratic trajectory.

The Persistent Challenge of Party Rancor

Party rancor—often fueled by intense rivalry, ideological differences, and the scramble for political dominance—remains one of the greatest challenges to Nigeria’s democratic stability.

 Barrister Ezeokenwa emphasizes that such rancor, when unchecked, tends to undermine the credibility of elections and hampers national development.

 He notes that political disputes over primaries, candidate nominations, and electoral irregularities often lead to legal battles and post-election violence, eroding public trust in democratic institutions.

However, Ezeokenwa advocates that healthy intra-party competition, grounded in adherence to constitutional and electoral laws, can serve as a catalyst for genuine democratic growth. 

He urges political actors to prioritize issue-based campaigns over personal rivalries and to embrace dialogue and reconciliation, especially in the aftermath of electoral disputes.

Election Outcomes: A Reflection of Democratic Maturity

The outcomes of elections—whether peaceful, transparent, and inclusive—are critical indicators of Nigeria’s democratic maturity. 

Barrister Ezeokenwa underscores that credible election results foster national unity and legitimacy, empowering citizens and strengthening institutions. Conversely, disputed or disputed results tend to deepen political divides, threaten national stability, and slow democratic progress.

He lauds Nigeria’s ongoing technological reforms, notably the deployment of BVAS (Biometric Voter Accreditation System), which have significantly improved electoral transparency. 

Nonetheless, he stresses that post-election processes, including collation and announcement of results, must be handled with utmost integrity to maintain public confidence.

Political Implications for Nigeria’s Democratic Development

Ezeokenwa highlights that the political implications of election outcomes extend beyond immediate governance. They influence policy continuity, national cohesion, and Nigeria’s international image. 

A transparent and peaceful electoral process can serve as a foundation for economic development, social progress, and regional stability.

He warns that persistent party rancor and disputed outcomes could entrench political polarization, weaken democratic institutions, and impede Nigeria’s aspirations for true nationhood. 

Therefore, fostering a culture of democratic maturity—through legal reforms, civic education, and political tolerance—is essential for Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

The Way Forward

In his insightful analysis, Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa calls for a concerted effort among political parties, civil society, and the electoral commission to ensure that the 2027 elections are conducted fairly, peacefully, and credibly. He advocates for internal party reforms, increased civic engagement, and the strengthening of democratic institutions that can withstand political tempests.

He emphasizes that Nigeria’s democratic development hinges on the ability of its political actors to transcend personal and partisan rancor, prioritize national interest, and accept electoral outcomes gracefully.

Conclusion

As Nigeria approaches yet another pivotal election cycle, the lessons of past elections and the wisdom offered by leaders like Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa serve as guiding principles. 

The nation’s democratic future depends on the collective commitment to transparency, political tolerance, and respect for electoral outcomes. Only then can Nigeria consolidate its democratic gains and forge a path toward sustainable development and lasting peace.