The Conflictual Politics of Cowing the Opposition by Ruling Parties in Selected West African States

Authors: Fortunetus Izuchukwu Oguwuike, PhD & Joseph Amechi Nwodo, PhD

Journal: African Journal of Developmental Integrity and Peace Studies (AJODEPS)
Volume: 6 | Issue: 1 | Year: 2025

Abstract

This paper vigorously investigated the conflictual politics of cowing the opposition by ruling parties in selected West African states. Specifically, the study sought to; identify the major strategies employed by ruling parties to suppress opposition voices in West African democracies. The study anchored on authoritarian resilience theory. The study adopted the qualitative research style was used and content analysis approach was deployed for the study. The instrument for data gathering was a secondary source of data. Findings shows that politically motivated prosecutions and co-optation and internal fragmentation of opposition parties among others are the major strategies employed by ruling parties to suppress opposition voices in West African democracies. The study recommends that; the Judiciary of respective national government in West Africa should as a matter of urgency step up in their constitutionalAfrican Journal of Developmental Integrity and Peace Studies duties of interpretation of laws and ensure that no one is prosecuted unjustly or based on factional or political vendetta as to avert advance conflict and anarchy within the states and Electoral Commissions, should take the lead in ensuring protection of internal party democratic mechanism and discourage ruling party interferences that usually jeopardizes the unity of opposition political parties. Keywords: Conflictual, Politics, Opposition, ruling parties, West African, States

Keywords: Conflictual, Politics, Opposition, ruling parties, West African, States