Political Parties and Civil Societies in Nigeria

The chapter addresses emerging issues on the activities and development of political parties in the Fourth Republic in relation to civil societies. Party development is critically analysed in terms of the development of civil societies in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, the relationship between parties and civil societies in building democracy in Nigeria and the relationship between civil societies and parties. It is concluded that civil societies cooperate with political parties and maintain both harmonious and antagonistic relationships. Some civil societies have put pressure on parties to consider gender, youth and vulnerable groups in the distribution of power and in party policies, which has greatly contributed to making parties more open-minded in their activities.