ABSTRACT

Abstract

The study examined the tripodic linkage between party leadership, intra-party crisis and democratic consolidation in the Southwest Nigeria between 2006 and 2017. It relied on secondary sources of data and content analysis. Using elite and realistic group conflict theories as theoretical frameworks, the study observed that intra-party crises in the Southwest region during the period were due to high-handedness of party leadership and political elites at various levels of party structure, as well as their inability to maintain stable and cohesive party relations coupled with the abysmal level of intra-party democracy and poor party discipline. The study concluded that for Nigeria’s democracy to stand test of time and achieve the consolidation it actually deserves, intra-party crises often caused by inept and power-drunk party leaders must be considerably curbed. It recommended inter alia that there is urgent need to check the excessive use of power by party leaders/executives, develop effective intra-party crisis resolution mechanism, and ensure utmost compliance to party internal democracy, constitutions and guidelines by both party leaders and members.