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Former Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, has said there is a need for ideology-based political parties in the country.
Ganduje stated this while speaking at the public presentation of a book, Nigeria’s Journey to Democratic Rule, written by the Abuja Bureau Chief of New Telegraph newspaper, Onyekachi Eze, on Wednesday in Abuja.
He identified the lack of ideologies in political parties as one of the drawbacks of party politics in the country, noting that it encourages defections by politicians from one party to another.
Ganduje, who is also a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), noted that democracy is more than periodic elections, stating that it also entails respect for constitutional order.
According to him, “democracy is much more than the conduct of elections every four years. It is built on enduring principles such as the rule of law, respect for constitutional order, an independent and credible electoral management body, vibrant political parties that practise internal democracy, a secure environment that allows citizens to participate freely in the political process, and elections that are free, fair, and credible.
“As we continue to strengthen our democratic institutions, these pillars must remain firmly protected because they are the foundation of political stability, national unity, and sustainable development.
“One area that deserves serious reflection is the issue of ideology in our political parties. Political parties are expected to be driven by clear philosophies, programmes and policy directions that distinguish one from another.
“Unfortunately, the absence of strong ideological foundations has, over the years, weakened party politics, encouraged defections based on personal interests rather than principles, and made it more difficult for citizens to identify clear policy alternatives.
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“Strengthening internal democracy and promoting issue-based politics will undoubtedly deepen our democratic culture and enhance public confidence in the political process.”
The former Governor of Nasarawa State, Tanko Al-Makura, while speaking at the event, stressed the need to strengthen the country’s multiparty democracy. He stated that the beauty of democracy lies in the contest of ideas.
Al-Makura noted that the book tells the Nigerian democratic story and serves as a compass to help the country in its democratic journey, while highlighting both successes and mistakes.
“The book we are presenting today chronicles our not-too-distant past. It tells the story of Nigeria’s democratic journey. It serves as a compass, helping us understand who we are as a people while highlighting both our successes and our mistakes. It is a book that deserves a place on the shelves of political leaders, scholars, students, and every patriotic Nigerian, serving as a guide for leadership, governance, and nation-building.
“We all share a collective responsibility to preserve and strengthen our multiparty democracy. No democracy anywhere in the world is perfect—not even those of the oldest and most advanced democracies. The true beauty of democracy lies in the peaceful contest of ideas, respect for the rule of law, and the ability of citizens to freely choose their leaders.
“Our democracy is only 27 years old, spanning just seven election cycles. Compared with older democracies such as that of the United States or even South Africa, where majority rule began in 1994, our democratic journey is still relatively young.
“Yet, within this short period, our electoral system has witnessed remarkable progress, evolving from entirely manual processes to the deployment of technology in voter accreditation, result management, and electoral administration.”
