The development of political parties in Nigeria dates back to the days of the

struggle for political independence in 1920’s. In the pre-independence and the

early post-independence periods, political parties in Nigeria were not

ideologically based. Rather, they were regionally based and woven around

individual politicians who they saw as their mentors (Aleyomi, 2013:283). In

first republic, however parties were registered based on the exigencies of the

time. This was the scenario until 1998; when the need arose for parties that

could usher Nigeria into a new era of democracy after over thirty years of

military rule (1966-1979, 1983-1998). Historically, political parties in

Nigeria have developed and still play a vital role towards the realization of

the democratic objectives.

By and large, the restoration of democratic government in 1999 led to a new

approach to party politics in Nigeria. The procedure for registering political

parties was liberalized, thereby, opening up the political space for mass

participation in political activities in the country. Although, the 2011

general elections witnessed more than fifty registered political parties in

Nigeria, even though only few of them have not been able to win any election.

However, just over 25 registered political parties existed before 2015 general

elections. The few political parties that have dominated the political space to

the point that fears are being expressed that the country was drifting towards

a one-party state. Opposition parties are beginning to cross to the ruling

party both at the federal and states levels (Omodia, 2014:65).

As Nigeria consolidate its democratic framework and mechanisms, the multi-parties

in Nigeria, need to exemplify a new level of commitment to the yearnings and

aspirations of the people for more fundamental and sustainable development

(Nwammuo and Asemah, 2013:52). The recently 2011 general election in Nigeria

really had some sets backs i.e. rigging, snatching of ballot boxes, post

elections violence and it really brought the world attention towards Nigeria’s

political system.

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE/JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY

1.6. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

1.7 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY 

1.8. DEFINITION OF TERMS

1.9. ORGANISATION OF THE STUDY

REFERENCES

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWOK

2.1 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

2.2. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

REFERENCES

CHAPTER THREE: THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY AND POLITICAL COMMUNICATION IN NIGERIA

 3.1. OVERVIEW OF POLITICAL PARTIES AND POLITICAL COMMUNICATION IN NIGERIA

3.2. HISTORICAL EVOLUTION OF THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP)

3.4. AN ANALYSIS OF POLITICAL COMMUNICATION OF THE PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP) 2011-2015

 REFERENCES

CHAPTER FOUR: SUMMARY CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

4.1. SUMMARY

4.2. CONCLUSION

4.3. RECOMMENDATIONS

BIBLIOGRAPHY