(a) List three political parties and their leader who contested during the 1979 presidential elections in Nigeria (b) Highlight the features of political parties in Nigeria since independence.
Explanation
(a) (i) The National Party of Nigeria (NPN) - Shehu Shagari (ii) Unity Party of Nigeria - Chief Obafemi Awolowo (iii) Nigeria People's Party (NPP) - Dr Nnamdi Azikwe (iv) People's Redemption Party (PRP) - Mallam Aminu Kanu (v) Great Nigeria People's Party (GNPP) Alhaji Ibrahim Waziri (b) (I) Unity: Political parties unite the people on major issues affecting the state (ii) Serving as a link: They always serve as a link between the people and the government (iii) Accountability: They enable the government to become accountable to the electorate through constructive criticism of the government in power. (iv) Machinery for recruitment: They provide machinery for recruiting political leaders. (v) Clarification of issues: Political parties try to clarify issues and provide relevant information on candidates and current events, thereby encouraging the electorate to be more interested in governmental activities. (vi) Change of government: Change of government is made possible with ease as a result of political parties contesting elections.
