The Parties

Of the nine political parties that emerged following the death last year of former military ruler, General Sani Abacha, three won enough votes in local elections last December to take part in the transition to civilian rule. So far, none have published manifestos but all have pledged to improve Nigerian living standards. Nigeria’s legislative elections are slated for Saturday, 20 February. People’s Democratic Party (PDP) The largest party in Nigeria formed by supporters and core members of the Group of 34, a coalition of veteran politicians, including several retired generals, many of whom were opposed to General Sani Abacha. The PDP won a clear lead in local elections in December and is considered to have centre-left leanings. It advocates devolution, and a mixture of state and private sector economy, with education and health as the priorities. PDP critics say it is a military party “in disguise”, alleging that it has strong financial support from serving and retired generals, notably the former head of state, General Ibrahim Babangida. The PDP’s presidential candidate is a Yoruba, General Olusegun Obasanjo, and his running mate is northern Hausa politician, Abubukar Atiku. All People’s Party (APP) The APP is Nigeria’s second largest party, made up of wealthy business people and politicians who backed Abacha and had helped campaign for his self-succession. Officials of this right-wing, pro-business party say they are in favour of a free market and private enterprise. The success of the PDP in local elections forced the APP into an unlikely and fragile electoral alliance with the third party, Alliance for Democracy (AD). The two parties have agreed to field a joint presidential candidate, a Yoruba and AD member, Samuel Olu Falae. His running mate is from the north, a former security chief and APP member, Umaru Shinkafi. Alliance for Democracy (AD) The AD draws most of its support from the Yoruba people in the southwest who have been at the forefront of calls for an end to military rule. It was set up by the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), a vocal group that opposed the late military ruler, General Sani Abacha. Analysts describe its policies as a blend of left-wing ideals - free access to education and health services - tempered by calls for some economic reform and privatisation, alongside its support for regional devolution. The party came third in the local elections but swept the board in the southwest in both local and state elections.