PARTY INTERNAL DEMOCRACY AND DEMOCRATIC CONSOLIDATION IN TARKA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE: A STUDY OF ALL PROGRESSIVE CONGRESS (2019 – 2024)

This study examined party internal democracy and democratic consolidation in Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State, with a focus on the All Progressives Congress (APC) between 2019 and 2024. Guided by three research questions and specific objectives, the study adopted the principal-agent theory to explore the relationship between party leadership (agents) and party members (principals). A descriptive survey researchdesign was employed, and a sampleof 390 respondents was selectedusing Taro Yamane’s formula. Findings revealed significant dissatisfaction with APC’s internal democratic practices in Tarka LGA, especially in areas of candidate selection, inclusiveness, governance stability, and conflict resolution. The lack of transparency in internal elections, persistent factionalism, and exclusion of certain party members have undermined political cohesion and eroded trust in democratic processes. These internal weaknesses have led to instability, defections, and weakened electoral outcomes. Key challenges identified include limited inclusiveness, weak enforcement of party rules, godfatherism, and lack of accountability. The study concludes that the APC’s internal shortcomings in Tarka LGA hinder democratic consolidation. It recommends strengthening transparency in internal elections, enforcing party rules, promoting inclusiveness, addressing factionalism, planning leadership succession, andimplementing constitutional reforms to improve intra-party democracy and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s democratic consolidation.