Overview Of Nigeria’s Political Systems And Structures

As dictated in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the country operates under a federal presidential system, with a separation of powers between the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government. A basic understanding of the country’s political system as outlined below is imperative for all civically minded citizens, particularly those who are seeking to run for elective office.

Constitutional Framework

• Current Constitution: The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
• Nature of Government: Federal presidential system where power is shared between the federal, state, and localgovernments.
• Sovereignty: Belongs to the people of Nigeria.
• Supremacy of the Constitution: Any law inconsistent with the Constitution is null and void.

Federal Structure

Nigeria operates as a federation with three tiers of government:

1. Federal Government
   • Oversees national defense, foreign policy, monetary policy, and other matters on the Exclusive Legislative List.
2. 36 State Governments
   • Each with its own governor, legislature, and judiciary.
   • Handle matters on the Residual List (not reserved for the federal level).
3. 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs)
   • Governed by elected chairpersons and councils.
   • Handle grassroots administration and local services.

Separation of Powers

Nigeria’s federal government is divided into three arms:

Executive

• Head: President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
• Election: Elected for a four-year term (renewable once) via a direct popular vote.
• Powers:
  • Implements and enforces laws.
  • Appoints ministers, ambassadors, and heads of agencies (subject to legislative approval).
  • Serves as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
  • Can veto bills (though the National Assembly can override vetoes with a two-thirds majority).

Legislature

• Bicameral National Assembly:
  1. Senate (Upper Chamber)
     • 109 Senators (3 per state + 1 for the Federal Capital Territory).
  2. House of Representatives (Lower Chamber)
     • 360 members representing constituencies.
• Powers:

• • Makes laws for the federation.
  • Approves the national budget.
  • Confirms presidential appointments.
  • Has oversight functions over the executive.
  • Can initiate impeachment proceedings.

Judiciary

• Head: Chief Justice of Nigeria.
• Structure:
  • Supreme Court (highest court)
  • Court of Appeal
  • Federal High Court
  • State High Courts
  • Sharia Courts of Appeal
  • Customary Courts of Appeal
• Functions:
  • Interprets laws and the Constitution.
  • Resolves disputes between individuals, government entities, and states.
  • Safeguards fundamental human rights.

Electoral System

• Regulatory Body: Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
• Voting Age: 18 years and above.
• Election Cycle:
  • Federal and State elections every 4 years (President, National Assembly, Governors, State Houses of Assembly).
  • Local government elections conducted by State Independent Electoral Commissions.
• Voting Method: First-Past-the-Post (simple majority) for most offices.
• Presidential Election Requirement:
  • Must secure a majority of votes nationwide and at least 25% of votes in two-thirds of the states (to ensure broad national support).

Political Parties

• Multi-party system (though politics have historically been dominated by a few major parties):
  • All Progressives Congress (APC)
  • People’s Democratic Party (PDP)
  • Labour Party (LP)
  • smaller regional and issue-based parties.
• Parties must be registered by INEC and meet constitutional requirements.

Checks and Balances

• The Legislature can impeach the President or Governors.
• The Judiciary can strike down unconstitutional laws.
• The Executive can veto legislation.
• Legislative oversight committees monitor executive agencies.

Political Culture & Challenges

• Ethno-regional politics: Voting patterns are often influenced by ethnicity, religion, and regional interests.
• Zoning & power rotation: Informal political arrangement where power rotates among regions.
• Patronage networks: Influence candidate selection and governance.
• Challenges:
  • Electoral violence and irregularities.
  • Corruption.
  • Weak party ideology.
  • Low trust in institutions.
  • Voter apathy.

Key Institutions

• INEC: Organizes and supervises elections.
• EFCC & ICPC: Anti-corruption agencies.
• National Council of State: Advisory body to the President.
• Council of State & Federal Executive Council: Policy and decision-making platforms.

Summary Table: Nigeria’s Political System