Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has criticised the structure of political parties in Nigeria, saying they are not built on strong principles or ideologies.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday at a workshop on the Political Parties Bill, organised by the European Centre for Electoral Support and the House Committee on Political Party Matters, Abbas said Nigeria’s political system is far behind what is seen in developed democracies. He explained that although Nigeria uses a presidential system similar to that of the United States, the major difference lies in how parties are registered and funded.
“In the U.S., the Federal Election Commission regulates campaign finance and oversees political party activities,” he said. “Likewise, the Electoral Commission in the U.K. manages party registration and funding.”
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The Speaker expressed concern that political parties in Nigeria often lack clear ideologies, and this leads to constant defection among politicians. He noted that in other democracies, such as the U.K., U.S., and Germany, politicians remain loyal to their party’s core beliefs regardless of election outcomes.
He said, “The Conservative Party in the U.K., for example, has been consistent with its values since it was founded in 1834, whether in power or not.”
In contrast, Abbas said, Nigeria’s political landscape is marked by party-switching and a lack of direction. “The reality is that political parties in Nigeria are not founded on solid principles or ideologies. Their actions make this very clear,” he added.
He also said the proposed Political Parties Bill currently in the National Assembly is aimed at changing that. The bill will give an independent body the power to regulate parties, oversee campaign financing, and ensure accountability.
“It will help build public trust in the system, reduce corruption, and encourage citizens to support their parties in meaningful ways,” Abbas said, expressing hope that the new law will strengthen the foundation of political parties in Nigeria.
