CSO Launches Political Party Performance Index to Strengthen Political Parties In Nigeria

By Abubakar Yunusa

The Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), in collaboration with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, has launched the Political Party Performance Index (PPPI) to enhance Nigeria’s democracy and improve the operations of political parties.

Speaking at the unveiling of the PPPI in Abuja on Friday, WFD Country Director Adebowale emphasized that the index is a call to action to revitalize Nigeria’s political parties.

He noted that while political parties play a critical role in shaping the nation’s democratic governance, their potential remains underutilized due to weak internal structures, limited inclusivity, and lack of accountability.

“Political parties must be accountable, inclusive, and performance-driven to fulfill their role as pillars of democracy,” Adebowale said, acknowledging the ongoing challenges that hinder effective participation, especially for marginalized groups such as women, youth, and people with disabilities.

Despite some progress, including the Not-Too-Young-to-Run Act and efforts to boost women’s political participation, Adebowale argued that these measures are insufficient to drive substantial change in party operations. He called for innovative mechanisms like the PPPI to address these persistent issues.

Bukola Idowu, a Lead Political Governance Expert, described the PPPI as a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democracy by improving party accountability, inclusivity, and transparency.

According to him,The index will systematically evaluate parties based on three key pillars: Inclusivity Practices, Legal Compliance, and Public Outreach.

“The PPPI will provide a structured framework for political parties to assess and improve their operations, bridging the gap between party promises and performance,” Idowu said.

“By focusing on inclusivity, legal compliance, and public outreach, the PPPI seeks to empower all segments of society to contribute to governance and nation-building.”

Also speaking,a gender and inclusion advocate,Barr.Ebere Efendu said the PPPI will assess all 19 registered political parties in Nigeria as of November 2024, focusing on their performance at the national and state levels. Data collection will be conducted in three phases: desk-based research, political party data collection, and validation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The index aims to foster a political culture where inclusion, transparency, and accountability are integral to Nigeria’s democracy. By empowering citizens with the information needed to hold political parties accountable, the PPPI is expected to enhance public trust and encourage civil society advocacy for reform.

“This initiative is not just about assessing political parties but also about creating a space for citizens to engage meaningfully in the political process and ensure that their voices are heard,” said Barrister Ebere Ifendu, a key contributor to the project’s methodology.

The launch of the PPPI marks a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and promoting greater citizen engagement in governance.