(a) Functions of a political party are:
(i) It helps to recruit leaders into political offices.
(ii) It provides political education, through lecture, symposia, manifestoes and other social programmes.
(iii) Provision of information: It informs the masses on important and current issues in the country.
(iv) Sources of unity: It unites people of different ethnic groups within the country.
(v) It serves as a link between the people and the government.
(vi) Peaceful change of government: It provides as avenue for a smooth and orderly change of government.
(vii) It proves social welfare services for people e.g. job opportunities, award of scholarships, etc.
(viii) It ensures public officers' accountability to the electorate.
(ix) It provides opposition to the ruling party.
(x) it nominates and sponsors candidates for elections.
(xi) It trains future political leaders.
(b) Problems of political party are:
(i) Disloyalty and anti-party activities.
(ii) Irresponsibility of party leaders.
(iii) Corruption and Favouritism: Political parties may become guilty of nepotism, bribery and corruption.
(iv) Fractionalization within any political party weakens its cohesion.
(v) Inadequate funding of political parties.
(vi) Imposition of ideas and candidates on political parties by influential members.
(vii) Poor party organization or management.