In the years preceding the 1979 national elections, ideology featured prominently in political debates and consultations regarding the new constitutional order. Proponents of a social democratic system were particularly prominent. However, the actual formation of political parties, governed by the new requirements for national representation, and the resurgence of veteran political leaders, returned the country to familiar configurations. The National Party of Nigeria (NPN) came forward with a model of political recruitment that enjoyed more success than that of its competitors. However, it entrenched the accommodation of sectional and prebendal interests that eventually undermined the government’s efficacy and legitimacy.

Last modified

• 10/24/2017

Creator

• Richard Joseph

DOI

• https://doi.org/10.21985/N29959

Keyword

• state
• elections
• representation
• democracy
• Africa
• Nigeria
• governance
• political parties
• National Party of Nigeria
• ideology

Resource type

• Research Paper

License

• All rights reserved