Nigerian Political Parties

Nigeria's political landscape is shaped by a variety of parties, each with its own ideology and history. Nigeria operates a multi-party system with several registered political parties. Below are the major political parties that have significant influence on Nigeria's political landscape.

All Progressives Congress (APC)

Founded: 2013

Ideology: Progressive, Center-left

Chairperson: Abdullahi Ganduje

All Progressives Congress (APC)

The All Progressives Congress (APC) was formed in February 2013 as a merger of Nigeria's three biggest opposition parties – the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). The party has been in power at the federal level since 2015 when Muhammadu Buhari won the presidential election.

Key Figures:

  • Bola Ahmed Tinubu
  • Muhammadu Buhari
  • Abdullahi Ganduje
  • Kashim Shettima

Electoral History:

The APC won the 2015 and 2019 presidential elections with Muhammadu Buhari as its candidate, and the 2023 presidential election with Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its candidate. The party currently controls the presidency and has a majority in both the Senate and House of Representatives.

Learn More
People's Democratic Party (PDP)

Founded: 1998

Ideology: Conservative, Center-right

Chairperson: Umar Damagum (Acting)

People's Democratic Party (PDP)

The People's Democratic Party (PDP) was formed in 1998 following the death of military dictator Sani Abacha. The party ruled Nigeria from 1999 to 2015, winning four consecutive presidential elections. The PDP presents itself as a center-right party that favors free-market policies with limited government regulation.

Key Figures:

  • Atiku Abubakar
  • Goodluck Jonathan
  • Olusegun Obasanjo
  • Umar Damagum

Electoral History:

The PDP won every presidential election from 1999 to 2011, with Olusegun Obasanjo (1999, 2003), Umaru Musa Yar'Adua (2007), and Goodluck Jonathan (2011) as its candidates. The party lost power in 2015 and has remained in opposition since then.

Learn More
Labour Party (LP)

Founded: 2002

Ideology: Social democracy, Progressive

Chairperson: Julius Abure

Labour Party (LP)

The Labour Party was established in 2002 as the Party for Social Democracy (PSD) before changing its name to Labour Party in 2004. The party gained significant prominence during the 2023 general elections when Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, ran as its presidential candidate and garnered substantial support, particularly among young voters.

Key Figures:

  • Peter Obi
  • Julius Abure
  • Datti Baba-Ahmed

Electoral History:

The Labour Party experienced a surge in popularity during the 2023 presidential election with Peter Obi as its candidate. While it did not win the presidency, the party secured several seats in both the Senate and House of Representatives, establishing itself as a significant political force in Nigeria.

Learn More
New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP)

Founded: 2021

Ideology: Populist, Reformist

Chairperson: Ajuji Ahmed

New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP)

The New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) was registered in 2021 and gained prominence when former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso joined the party as its presidential candidate for the 2023 elections. The party advocates for political reforms and presents itself as an alternative to the two dominant parties.

Key Figures:

  • Rabiu Kwankwaso
  • Ajuji Ahmed

Electoral History:

The NNPP participated in its first presidential election in 2023 with Rabiu Kwankwaso as its candidate. While it did not win the presidency, the party secured some seats in the National Assembly and has a strong presence in Kano State.

Learn More
All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)

Founded: 2003

Ideology: Progressive, Regionalist

Chairperson: Victor Oye

All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was formed in 2003 and has been most successful in Anambra State, where it has held the governorship since 2006. The party was initially associated with Igbo interests but has attempted to broaden its appeal across Nigeria.

Key Figures:

  • Peter Obi (former member)
  • Willie Obiano
  • Charles Soludo
  • Victor Oye

Electoral History:

APGA has maintained control of Anambra State since 2006, with Peter Obi, Willie Obiano, and Charles Soludo serving as governors. The party has also won some seats in the National Assembly but has not been competitive in presidential elections.

Learn More