Perspective Chapter: Èmi L’ókàn (It is My Turn) – Candidate Selection, Entitlement Politics and Party Internal Democratic Practice in Nigeria

Abstract

The selection of political candidates plays a pivotal role in any political system, particularly in multi-party systems like Nigeria’s. In Nigeria, the electoral law permits the selection of candidates through direct primaries, indirect primaries, or consensus candidates. However, the 2023 general elections introduced a new concept to the Nigerian political landscape: entitlement politics. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the then-aspiring All Progressive Congress’s presidential flag bearer, claimed entitlement to the presidency before the party’s primary election. This study delves into the phenomenon of entitlement politics in Nigeria, exploring its challenges and democratic implications. Drawing on existing literature and interviews, the study uncovers a link between entitlement politics and politicians’ bold attempts to gain power within the political network. While entitlement politics may encourage political zoning, it risks undermining the democratic process by favouring mediocrity over political competence. The paper concludes that adhering to constitutional processes and prioritising political competence in candidate selection is essential to maintain the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system.