Showunmi Raises Alarm Over Executive Control of Political Parties in Nigeria
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Segun Showunmi, has cautioned against what he described as the growing dominance of governors and the president in the internal affairs of political parties.
Showunmi warned that allowing elected officials to control party structures undermines democratic principles and weakens political institutions across the country. He noted that such a system makes it difficult for parties to hold leaders accountable since those in power often dictate party decisions.
According to him, the trend became more pronounced during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, when the president assumed the role of party leader at the national level, while governors replicated similar control within their states.
He argued that political parties are meant to be guided by their internal organs and stakeholders, not by individuals occupying executive positions. Showunmi stressed that candidates typically rely on party structures and grassroots support to secure nominations, making it inappropriate for them to take over party leadership after winning elections.
Describing the situation as harmful to internal democracy, he said it has contributed to divisions within parties, increased defections, and weakened cohesion among members.
Showunmi also linked the development to persistent conflicts between top political officeholders, including presidents and their deputies, as well as governors and their deputies, which he said further deepens mistrust within party systems.
He called for urgent reforms to clearly separate party administration from executive power, emphasizing that strengthening party independence is essential for Nigeria’s democratic stability.
Showunmi warned that unless political parties are rebuilt to function beyond the influence of powerful office holders, internal crises and instability will continue to plague the system.
