ADSU International Journal of Applied Economics, Finance and Management

Impact of Internal Party Democracy on Democratization in the 2019 and 2023 General Electtions in Adamawa State, Nigeria: A Study of All Progressive Congress (APC) in Adamawa North Senatorial District

Abstract

Internal democracy in a political party is an important principle in the operation and survival of any democratic regime globally. Lack of internal democracy creates serious intra-party conflict which can likely threaten regime stability and good governance. This paper is an examination of the Impact of Internal Party Democracy on Democratization in the 2019 and 2023 General Elections in Adamawa State-Nigeria: A Study of All Progressive Congress (APC) in Adamawa North Senatorial District. Lack of internal democracy and intra party conflict in Adamawa-North of the All-Progress Congress (APC) is a threat to the zone nascent democracy prior to 2019 and 2023 general election. The objective of the research work is to examine the challenges of internal democracy in APC Adamawa North Senatorial District and to proffer solutions to intra party conflict in Adamawa North Senatorial District. The research work used both primary and secondary sources of data. The methodology used is survey research method, the population of the study are 250 APC members were selected randomly, 50 each from the five-local government in the Senatorial District. Data obtained were discussed using simple percentages and chi-square interpretations. The research found that the selection process of party candidates was not free and fair, there was no equal participation for the party aspirants for offices and there was imposition of party candidates in All Progress Congress (APC) Adamawa North District. The study recommends that transparent and credible party primaries should be encouraged, collective decision and transparent party activities should be promoted effectively, there should be no imposition of party candidates and political parties should be guided by a given ideological basis upon which any member that wants to join such political parties should be aware and be guided.