MULTI-PARTY DEMOCRACY AND THE RISE OF A PLURALITY GOVERNMENT IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF THE 2023 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

Abstract

Since the return of multi-party democracy to Nigeria in 1999, there has been a challenge of forming governments that truly reflect the will of the Nigerian people. However, none has been as evident as the Tinubu government produced in 2023, which got elected by 36% of votes. the study examined the relationship between multipartism and the rise of a plurality presidency in 2023. The research was anchored on Duverger’s law as its theoretical foundation. The theory argues that plurality systems with single district member representatives tend to produce two parties. The study adopted an ex post facto design to study the Nigerian presidential election that had already occurred. The study used surveys and documentary (mixed method) methods to gather data, which were then analysed using simple percentages. The study found that vote splitting between multiple parties was responsible for producing a minority plurality government in Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election where the APC won with fewer votes than all opposition parties combined. The study recommended the adoption of a two party system in Nigeria to ensure the production of majority governments.