The Economics of Party Dominance in Nigeria, 1999 €“ 2013

Abstract

Nigeria returned to civil rule in 1999. Since then it has been ruled by the Peoples ' Democratic Party (PDP). This article explores the economics of the PDP dominance in Nigeria ' s 14 years of civil rule in order to explicate the prevailing authoritarianism. The article observes that the elites partitioned the territory among themselves into spheres of influence and established offices in which those who serve their interests and ensure party victory at all costs are appointed. Further, the article notes that electoral officials, traditional rulers and the Nigerian police are alleged to be instruments of electoral frauds in their hands. Those officials who deviate from the practice face stiff penalty. It therefore concludes that the PDP dominance shall prevail until there is a crack in the walls of the ruling elites €“ one that has already started developing.