PARTY POLITICS AND NATIONAL INTEGRATION

ABSTRACT

This study explores the dynamics of party politics and its impact on national integrationin Nigeria, focusing on two prominent political entities, the All Progressives Congress(APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Against the backdrop of Nigeria'sdiverse ethnic, religious, and regional landscape, the research examines howthesepolitical parties navigate and contribute to the broader discourse of national unity. Through a comprehensive analysis of historical contexts, electoral strategies, andpolicypositions, the study aims to uncover the role played by the APC and PDP in shapingthenation's political landscape and fostering or challenging the ideals of national integration. By employing a case study approach, this research seeks to shed light ontheintricate relationship between party politics and the broader goal of fostering a cohesiveand united Nigeria. This study examines the role of political parties in promotingorhindering national integration in Nigeria, with a focus on the All Progressive Congress(APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The findings suggest that whilebothparties have made ef orts to promote national integration, they have also contributedtodivisions within society. The APC's emphasis on social welfare and inclusion has helpedto promote national integration, but its focus on regional and religious identities hascreated divisions. The PDP's emphasis on economic growth and development has alsopromoted national integration, but its reliance on clientelist relationships and patronagenetworks has exacerbated divisions within society. Overall, while both parties havemadepositive contributions to national integration, they have also contributed to divisions that may hinder national integration in the long term.