Politics of De-Registration of Political Parties in Nigeria: Court of Appeal Judgment and the Way Forward

Abstract

Various forms of multiparty political systems have been introduced around the world since the start of the third wave of democratization in 19741. Today, we live in times when more countries elect their leaders through multiparty elections—and where more people are governed by rulers of their choice. However, there has been a convergence of opinions amongst political theorists about the strong and inextricable connections between political parties and the viability of democracy2. This therefore, stresses the fact that, modern democracy and party politics are not just connected but inseparable as there is no democracy without a viable political party system3. Hence, political parties are one of the primary avenues through which citizens can exercise their authority and participate in political life. They (political parties) contribute to democratic governance by aggregating and representing the interests of their constituents.