Reforming Nigerian political parties to focus on service over the pursuit of power is fundamental to the nation's democratic development. Currently, many parties are seen as mere vehicles for individuals to gain access to state resources, rather than platforms for ideological debate, policy development, or public service.

This requires a multi-pronged approach that addresses internal party structures, external regulatory environments, and the broader political culture.

Here's how political parties in Nigeria can be reformed to prioritize service:

I. Enforce and Strengthen Internal Party Democracy:

1. Transparent and Accountable Primaries:

   • Direct Primaries: Mandate and rigorously supervise direct primaries where all registered party members can vote for candidates. This reduces the power of "godfathers" and party executives to impose candidates, forcing aspirants to connect directly with members and articulate a service-oriented vision.

   • Transparent Delegate System: If indirect primaries are used, ensure the selection of delegates is transparent and verifiable, not manipulated by a few powerful individuals.

   • Independent Electoral Committees: Require parties to establish independent internal electoral committees for primaries, free from the influence of aspirants or powerful factions.

2. Regular and Transparent Party Congresses and Conventions:

   • Ensure that party leadership elections at all levels (ward, local government, state, national) are conducted democratically, regularly, and transparently, allowing for genuine competition and accountability to party members.

3. Strengthen Party Constitutions and Bylaws:

   • Encourage parties to develop robust constitutions and bylaws that promote internal democracy, define clear responsibilities for officials, and outline ethical conduct. These should be enforced by an independent internal dispute resolution mechanism.

4. Membership Register and Verification:

   • Demand that parties maintain credible and verifiable membership registers. This is crucial for transparent primaries and for understanding the party's grassroots support.

II. Robust Regulation and Oversight:

1. Independent Regulatory Body for Parties:

   • As suggested by recent legislative proposals, establish a truly independent body (separate from INEC) to register, regulate, and monitor the activities and finances of political parties. This body would ensure compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.

   • Rationale: INEC's dual role of regulating parties and conducting elections can create conflicts of interest and dilute its focus. A dedicated regulator would improve oversight.

2. Strict Enforcement of Party Funding Regulations:

   • Transparency in Funding: Mandate full disclosure of party funding sources, including donations from individuals and corporate bodies, with strict limits on contributions. This reduces the influence of money bags and godfathers.

   • Monitor Expenditure: Rigorously monitor party campaign expenditures to prevent excessive spending, which often leads to post-election corruption to recoup "investments."

   • Penalties for Violations: Impose significant penalties (including deregistration, fines, and prosecution of individuals) for parties and members who violate funding regulations.

3. Sanctions for Non-Compliance with Internal Democracy:

   • The regulatory body should have the power to sanction parties that fail to uphold internal democracy, including refusing to recognize candidates from undemocratic primaries.

III. Policy Development and Ideological Clarity:

1. Manifesto Development and Public Engagement:

   • Encourage parties to move beyond generic promises and develop clear, actionable, and costed manifestos through broad internal consultations and public engagement. This helps to define their service agenda.

   • Issue-Based Campaigns: Shift focus from personality-driven or ethno-religious campaigns to debates on policy issues and solutions for national problems.

2. Policy Think Tanks and Research:

   • Incentivize parties to establish or partner with policy think tanks that conduct research and develop evidence-based policy alternatives, rather than simply reacting to government actions.

3. Ideological Differentiation:

   • Encourage parties to articulate clear ideological stances and principles, even if broad, to provide voters with distinct choices based on their preferred approach to governance and service delivery. This moves them beyond being mere platforms for power acquisition.

IV. Capacity Building and Ethical Leadership:

1. Leadership Training for Party Members:

   • Provide training for party members and aspirants on ethical leadership, public service, policy formulation, and governance best practices.

2. Code of Conduct for Party Members:

   • Establish and enforce a strict code of conduct for all party members, especially those holding public office, with clear sanctions for ethical violations.

3. Mentorship Programs:

   • Promote mentorship programs within parties where experienced, ethical leaders mentor younger members interested in public service, fostering a culture of integrity.

V. Citizen Demand and Media Scrutiny:

1. Demand for Accountability:

   • Citizens, through civil society organizations, media, and social movements, must consistently demand internal democracy within parties and hold parties accountable for their manifestos and the conduct of their members in public office.

2. Media Scrutiny of Party Finances and Operations:

   • Encourage investigative journalism to expose opaque party funding, internal manipulations, and the influence of godfathers.

VI. Electoral Reform (Complementary):

1. Reduced Cost of Politics:

   • Implement reforms to drastically reduce the cost of obtaining party nomination forms and campaigning for elections. This will level the playing field and make it less attractive for "godfathers" to financially control candidates.

2. Independent Candidacy:

   • Allowing independent candidates to contest elections could provide an alternative route for credible individuals to serve, reducing the monopoly of existing parties and potentially pressuring parties to improve.

Reforming Nigerian political parties is a long-term endeavor that requires sustained pressure from both internal party members and external actors. It means moving away from a system where parties are primarily power-grabbing vehicles to one where they are genuine democratic institutions focused on serving the public good.