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Nigeria’s political scene features 18 parties officially registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). These organizations shape the democratic process in Africa’s most populous nation. This guide explores each party, from major players to emerging groups.
Quick List of Nigeria’s Political Parties
- Accord (A)
- Action Alliance (AA)
- Action Democratic Party (ADP)
- Action Peoples Party (APP)
- Africa Action Congress (AAC)
- African Democratic Congress (ADC)
- All Progressives Congress (APC)
- All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)
- Allied Peoples Movement (APM)
- Boot Party (BP)
- Labour Party (LP)
- National Rescue Movement (NRM)
- New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)
- Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
- Peoples Redemption Party (PRP)
- Social Democratic Party (SDP)
- Young Progressive Party (YPP)
- Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)
Detailed Look at Nigeria’s Political Parties
1. Accord (A)
Accord, often called “A,” is a relatively new political party in Nigeria, founded in 2006. It aims to connect traditional politics with youth aspirations.
Ideology: Accord prioritizes national unity, economic development, and social justice.
Popularity: The party has shown strength in local and state elections, particularly in southwestern Nigeria, but remains a minor player nationally.
Logo and Slogan: The party’s logo shows a handshake symbolizing unity, against Nigeria’s national colors (green and white). Their slogan states “Together, We Can Build a Better Nigeria.”
Notable Figure: Adebayo Adelabu, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, contested for the governorship of Oyo State under the Accord party in 2023.
2. Action Alliance (AA)
Action Alliance, established in 2005, positions itself as a centrist party appealing to various Nigerian voters.
Ideology: AA focuses on good governance, economic empowerment, and social welfare.
Popularity: The party has achieved some success in local elections, especially in eastern Nigeria, but struggles for national prominence.
Logo and Slogan: Their logo depicts a hand holding a broom, representing their anti-corruption stance. The slogan reads “Clean Governance for a Prosperous Nigeria.”
3. Action Democratic Party (ADP)
ADP, founded in 2017, presents itself as an alternative to established political parties.
Ideology: Based on social democracy, ADP emphasizes inclusive economic growth, social justice, and political reform.
Popularity: ADP has gained some support among urban professionals and younger voters, though it hasn’t secured major electoral victories.
Logo and Slogan: The logo shows a rising sun against Nigeria’s national colors. Their slogan is “A New Dawn for Nigeria.”
4. Action Peoples Party (APP)
APP is a recent addition to Nigeria’s political scene, focusing on grassroots-level engagement.
Ideology: The party concentrates on economic empowerment, social welfare, and political inclusion.
Popularity: As a new party, APP is still establishing its presence and hasn’t made a significant national impact.
Logo and Slogan: Their logo reportedly represents Nigeria’s diversity. Their slogan states “Power to the People.”
5. Africa Action Congress (AAC)
AAC, founded in 2018, represents a more radical approach to Nigerian politics.
Ideology: The party supports democratic socialism, emphasizing anti-corruption measures, wealth redistribution, and social justice.
Popularity: While electorally minor, AAC has attracted attention from young, urban voters dissatisfied with the status quo.
Logo and Slogan: Their logo features a raised fist symbolizing resistance. The slogan is “Take It Back.”
Notable Figure: Omoyele Sowore, a human rights activist and founder of Sahara Reporters, serves as the national chairman and was the party’s presidential candidate in the 2019 and 2023 elections.
6. African Democratic Congress (ADC)
ADC, established in 2005, presents itself as a centrist alternative to major parties.
Ideology: ADC combines social democracy with market-friendly economic policies.
Popularity: The party has achieved moderate success in some state and local elections, particularly in southwestern Nigeria.
Logo and Slogan: Their logo depicts a candlelight symbolizing hope. The slogan reads “Lighting the Way to a Better Nigeria.”
7. All Progressives Congress (APC)
APC, formed in 2013 through a merger of opposition parties, currently rules at the federal level.
Ideology: APC’s platform is generally center-left, focusing on progressivism, federalism, and social welfare.
Popularity: As the ruling party, APC enjoys considerable popularity across much of Nigeria.
Logo and Slogan: The logo shows a broom symbolizing their anti-corruption stance. Their original slogan “Change” later became “Next Level” after taking power.
Notable Figures: Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023, and Bola Tinubu, elected president in 2023, are prominent APC members.
8. All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)
APGA, founded in 2002, maintains a strong presence in southeastern Nigeria.
Ideology: The party advocates for progressive policies with a focus on Igbo interests.
Popularity: APGA has a strong following in the Igbo-dominated southeast, particularly in Anambra State.
Logo and Slogan: Their logo features a cockerel, symbolizing awakening. The slogan states “Be Your Brother’s Keeper.”
Notable Figure: The late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, leader of the defunct Republic of Biafra, was a founding member and first presidential candidate of APGA.
9. Allied Peoples Movement (APM)
APM is a relatively new party in Nigeria’s political scene.
Ideology: The party focuses on youth empowerment, technological advancement, and economic diversification.
Popularity: As a newer party, APM is still working to establish a significant national presence.
Logo and Slogan: Information about their logo is limited. Their slogan emphasizes progress and youth involvement.
10. Boot Party (BP)
The Boot Party joined Nigerian politics in 2019.
Ideology: BP emphasizes grassroots development, youth empowerment, and technological innovation.
Popularity: As a very new party, BP is still working to establish its base and recognition.
Logo and Slogan: Their logo features a boot, symbolizing action and progress. The slogan is “Kick Out Bad Governance.”
11. Labour Party (LP)
The Labour Party, founded in 2002, has roots in the Nigerian labour movement.
Ideology: LP supports workers’ rights, social justice, and equitable economic policies.
Popularity: While historically a minor party, LP gained significant attention and support in the 2023 elections.
Logo and Slogan: Their logo shows a wheel and horse, symbolizing progress and strength. The slogan is “Forward Ever.”
Notable Figure: Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State, was the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, gaining significant support especially among young, urban voters.
12. National Rescue Movement (NRM)
NRM is a relatively new party in Nigeria’s political scene.
Ideology: The party focuses on economic reforms, anti-corruption measures, and youth empowerment.
Popularity: NRM is still working to establish a significant national presence.
Logo and Slogan: Their logo features a rising sun, symbolizing new beginnings. The slogan emphasizes national renewal.
13. New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)
NNPP, registered in 2001, gained significant attention leading up to the 2023 elections.
Ideology: The party advocates for political reforms, economic restructuring, and improved security.
Popularity: NNPP has seen growing support, particularly in northern Nigeria.
Logo and Slogan: Their logo shows a basket of fruits, symbolizing abundance. The slogan is “Hope for All Nigerians.”
Notable Figure: Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State, was the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election.
14. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
PDP, founded in 1998, ruled Nigeria from 1999 to 2015 and remains a major opposition party.
Ideology: PDP positions itself as a big-tent party, leaning center-right on economic issues.
Popularity: Despite losing power in 2015, PDP remains one of Nigeria’s two largest parties with significant national support.
Logo and Slogan: Their logo depicts an umbrella, symbolizing broad appeal. The slogan is “Power to the People.”
Notable Figures: Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and Goodluck Jonathan, all former presidents of Nigeria, were PDP members during their tenures.
15. Peoples Redemption Party (PRP)
PRP, originally founded in 1978 and re-registered in 2002, is one of Nigeria’s oldest surviving parties.
Ideology: The party advocates for socialist policies, emphasizing wealth redistribution and social justice.
Popularity: While historically significant, PRP currently has limited national influence.
Logo and Slogan: Their logo shows a key, symbolizing the unlocking of Nigeria’s potential. The slogan emphasizes redemption through people’s power.
16. Social Democratic Party (SDP)
SDP, originally formed in 1989 and re-registered in 2013, has a long history in Nigerian politics.
Ideology: The party promotes social democracy, balancing free-market policies with strong social programs.
Popularity: While historically significant, SDP currently struggles for major national relevance.
Logo and Slogan: Their logo depicts interlocked hands, symbolizing unity. The slogan is “Peace, Justice, and Progress.”
Notable Figure: Moshood Abiola, widely believed to have won the annulled 1993 presidential election, was the SDP candidate in that election.
17. Young Progressive Party (YPP)
YPP, registered in 2017, targets Nigeria’s youth.
Ideology: The party focuses on technology-driven governance, education reform, and youth empowerment.
Popularity: YPP has gained some traction among young, educated urban voters.
Logo and Slogan: Their logo features a star, symbolizing excellence. The slogan is “Nation Building Through Excellence.”
18. Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)
ZLP is one of the newer parties in Nigeria’s political scene.
Ideology: The party advocates for workers’ rights, social welfare, and economic reforms.
Popularity: ZLP is still working to establish a significant national presence.
Logo and Slogan: Their logo shows a rising sun, symbolizing new beginnings. The slogan emphasizes progress and labour rights.
Final Thoughts
Nigeria’s political system includes 18 parties officially recognized by INEC. These range from established powerhouses to emerging groups. This overview provides a foundation for understanding Nigeria’s democratic process.
Political situations can change quickly, so staying informed about current developments is beneficial. Exploring Nigeria’s political parties offers insights into the country’s democratic journey.
Abdulbasit Toriola is a versatile freelance writer. On this blog, he writes keenly about Nigeria and Nigerians who are breaking the odds. He tweets @blackboymusings.
