Changing Laws, Unchanging Environment: Political Party Financing Laws in Nigeria's Fourth Republic
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Abstract
Political party financing is a critical determinant of electoral integrity, democratic accountability, and political competition. This study examines the evolution, adequacy, and implementation of Nigeria's political finance laws in the Fourth Republic and the factors driving non-compliance. Guided by Clientelism Theory, it adopts a qualitative approach using key informant interviews and documentary analysis. The findings reveal that although Nigeria has relatively comprehensive legal provisions regulating political finance, weak enforcement, institutional weaknesses within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political interference, inadequate monitoring, and entrenched patron–client networks undermine compliance. The study concludes that legal reforms alone are insufficient without stronger enforcement and accountability. It recommends empowering INEC, establishing an election offences commission, enhancing financial transparency and monitoring, enforcing automatic sanctions, and promoting greater civic oversight.
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