PARTY DOMINANCE AND POLITICAL HEGEMONY. A CASE STUDY OF YOBE STATE

Abstract

This study examines the dynamics of party dominance and political hegemony in Yobe State, Nigeria, focusing on how the All Progressives Congress (APC) has maintained an overwhelming hold over the state's political landscape across multiple election cycles. Within Nigeria’s federal system, Yobe State serves as a case study of how dominant parties consolidate power to the detriment of opposition parties. The research adopts Gramsci’s theory of hegemony, which emphasizes the role of ideological leadership in shaping socio-political structures, to analyze the APC's entrenched authority in Yobe State. Utilizing a content analysis methodology, the study examines election results, party manifestos, political speeches, and media narratives to identify the key drivers of APC's dominance. Data were analyzed thematically to uncover patterns of electoral success, party loyalty, the influence of local political elites, and the alignment of the state's political culture with APC's interests. A notable finding reveals that APC’s dominance extends beyond electoral victories, as it has entrenched itself into the governance and social fabric of Yobe State, marginalizing opposition parties and stifling political competition. The study concludes that while APC's dominance provides political stability, it undermines democratic consolidation by limiting viable political alternatives and marginalizing opposition voices. To address this, the study recommends the creation of an enabling environment for opposition parties through the enforcement of fair electoral laws that ensure equal access to resources, media platforms, and political spaces. Additionally, opposition parties should focus on building grassroots networks to increase their visibility and voter engagement, which is essential for promoting political pluralism and strengthening democratic processes in Yobe State and beyond.