Internal Party Democracy and Zoning System in Nigeria: The Case of Peoples Democratic Party 2022 Presidential Primary Election

Abstract

The 2022 presidential primaries of Nigeria's Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) marked a significant turning point in the party's history due to its departure from the traditional zoning principle, a core aspect of its internal democracy. This shift had profound consequences for the party's internal dynamics. This research was driven by three key questions and objectives, rooted in Neoinstitutionalism theory. It utilized historical and descriptive research methods, primarily analyzing documentary sources through thematic and content analysis. The findings revealed multiple challenges to the PDP's internal democracy, including ideological issues, the abandonment of the zoning system, and the dominance of party executives. Specifically, the study highlighted how the 2022 deviation from the zoning principle in the PDP's presidential primaries significantly disrupted the party's internal democracy. This decision led to notable implications, causing internal divisions and fragmentation within the party along zonal lines. Thus, the study underscored the need for the PDP to take decisive steps to repair and strengthen its internal democracy. Recommendations included a public reaffirmation of its commitment to democratic values, particularly the zoning system, as a means to regain trust and credibility among party members and voters.

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