ABSTRACT

The study examined internal party democracy and political stability in Nigeria, a case study of PDP Imo state between 2007 and 2016. Documentary method of data collection was adopted. Qualitative description method based on content analysis was used as a method of data analysis. This work is predicted on the theoretical framework of elite power theory propounded by Vilfredo Pareto. The study found out that the activities of godfatherism in Imo state PDP has led to violence and electoral irregularities. It also found out that the lack of clear cut politics and candidate selection resulted to the decamping of PDP members to APC in Imo state. Finally the study recommended that political parties should embrace and encourage the practice of internal democracy as by so doing would reduce the activities of the party elites (godfathers) within the party and also ensure democratic consolidation.