INTRA-PARTY CONFLICT AND INTERNAL DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY, 2015 – 2023

CHINWETALU, CHINAZA MARTHA (2026) INTRA-PARTY CONFLICT AND INTERNAL DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY, 2015 – 2023. Other thesis, Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu.

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Abstract

This study examined intra-party conflicts and their impact on the internal democracy and political performance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria between 2015 and 2024. The study was motivated by the persistent leadership crises, factional struggles, defections, and disputes over candidate selection that affected the stability and effectiveness of the PDP following its loss of federal power in 2015. The objectives of the study were to examine the major causes of intra-party conflicts within the PDP and analyze how these conflicts affected the party’s internal democracy and political performance. The study adopted Elite Theory as its theoretical framework to explain how competition among influential political actors shaped party structures, leadership processes, and organizational stability. A qualitative research design was employed, while data were obtained through documentary sources including party records, electoral reports, newspaper publications, academic literature, and political commentaries. Qualitative content analysis was used for data interpretation. The findings revealed that intra-party conflicts within the PDP were primarily driven by elite rivalry, zoning controversies, leadership disputes, and candidate imposition. The study further found that these conflicts weakened internal democracy, reduced member participation, encouraged defections, and negatively affected the party’s electoral competitiveness and public image. The study concluded that strengthening internal democratic mechanisms and effective conflict resolution processes are essential for improving party cohesion, stability, and democratic governance in Nigeria.

Item Type: Thesis (Other)
Subjects: J Political Science > JA Political science (General)
Divisions: Faculty of Management and Social Sciences
Depositing User: Uchenna Eneogwe
Date Deposited: 24 Jul 2026 09:36
Last Modified: 24 Jul 2026 09:36
URI: http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/5903

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