POLITICAL PARTIES COMPETITION AND DEMOCRATIC CONSOLIDATION IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF APC AND PDP, 2015–2023.

ABSTRACT This study critically examines the Political Parties competition and democratic Consolidation in Nigeria. The principal objective is to decisively investigate the Political Parties competition and democratic Consolidation in Nigeria: A case study of APC and PDP, 2015-2023. The study employed content analytical method (qualitative approach) in the analysis of data. The findings of this study indicate among many others that Apc played a major role in the Consolidation of Democracy brought about electoral victory. The APC's victory in the 2015 presidential election marked a significant milestone in Nigeria's democratic consolidation. It ended the 16 years long ruling party dominance of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and demonstrated that power could be transferred peacefully through elections. Moreso, the study found out that APC's stance on fighting corruption resonated with many Nigerians who were tired of pervasive corruption within the political system. The party's commitment to prosecuting corrupt officials and recovering stolen funds was seen as a refreshing departure from the previous administration. This anti-corruption stance helped to garner support and contributed to the APC's electoral victories (The Guardian, 2015). It was also revealed that PDP played their own roles in the consolidation of democracy. It was revealed that following its defeat in the 2015 presidential election, the PDP assumed the role of the main opposition party. As an opposition party, the PDP has played a crucial role in providing checks and balances to the ruling party. Through its members in the National Assembly, the PDP has actively engaged in legislative oversight functions, ensuring accountability and transparency in governance. Furthermore, it was revealed that several factors have limited the political parties in the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria which among many is electoral malpractice, such as vote rigging, violence, and voter intimidation, severely limits the credibility and effectiveness of political parties in Nigeria's democratic consolidation. Despite efforts to improve the electoral process, these malpractices continue to undermine the democratic system (Onuoha, 2019). Electoral malpractice affects the internal dynamics of political parties. Parties that engage in malpractice can be dominated by factions or strongmen seeking to consolidate and maintain their power. This limits internal party democracy, hampers the emergence of new leaders, and stifles the growth of vibrant and diverse political parties. In conclusion, this study has shown that the competition between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria from 2015 to 2023 has had both positive and negative effects on democratic consolidation in the country. On the one hand, the competition has led to increased political participation, improved party organization, and enhanced representation of diverse interests. On the other hand, it has also resulted in increased polarization, electoral malpractices, and manipulation of state institutions. It is further recommended that APC and PDP should prioritize internal democracy by ensuring transparent and inclusive decision- making processes, holding regular primaries and congresses, and promoting youth and women's participation in party leadership. This will enhance party cohesion, reduce factionalism, and increase the legitimacy of party candidates.