Nigeria Flashcards
(15 cards)
Political System
Federal Republic
Legislative Structure
Bicameral civilian
Senators: 109, 3 per state and 1 for the FCT
House of Representatives: 360
Legislative Elections
Senators: equal representation
HoR: single-member districts
Executive Structure
Presidential system (like the US)
Executive Elections
Judicial Structure
Federal, state, local
Heads: Federal Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court (15 associates and the chief)
States can use Islamic Law or traditional local law for customary disputes
Secular Courts have the most authority when there are disputes between customary and secular courts
Judicial Elections
Supreme Court justices appointed
Checks & Balances
Electoral System
Party System
50 parties registered by the Nigerian Electoral Commission
APC and PDP control all but one state
APC won presidency, governorships, and National Assembly after 15 years of PDP rule
- ethnic divisions (with support from religion) dominate national politics but have diversified aiding during election period by fostering a climate of compromise amid divisive national debate
Parties
All Progressives Congress (APC) (ACN, AD, Yoruba-centered, UPN, AG, ANPP, GNPP, coalition of defecting/opp parties)
the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) (includes NPN, PRP, NPP)
All People’s Party (APP) (includes ANPP, GNPP
Party Ideologies
alliances of convenience among Big Men
gain power
control resources
multiethnic alliances
elite-centered
Political System
Administrative Structure
36 states + Federal Capital Territory
Federal, state, and local
Centralized power goes to the president and governors
Important People
