Political rivalry

Unbridled political competition

Nature

Political rivalry refers to the competition and antagonism between individuals, parties, or groups seeking power and influence within a political system. As a problem, it often leads to polarization, undermines cooperation, and can escalate into conflict or instability. Intense political rivalry may hinder effective governance, disrupt policy continuity, and erode public trust in institutions. In extreme cases, it can provoke violence, social division, and impede democratic processes. Addressing political rivalry requires fostering dialogue, promoting inclusivity, and strengthening democratic norms to ensure that competition remains constructive rather than destructive to societal well-being and political stability.

Background

Political rivalry has shaped global affairs since the emergence of organized states, first gaining prominence with the chronicled power struggles of ancient empires. Its significance intensified during the 19th and 20th centuries, as ideological and nationalistic rivalries fueled world wars and the Cold War. Scholars and policymakers increasingly recognized political rivalry as a persistent driver of conflict, instability, and diplomatic tension, prompting systematic study and international efforts to mitigate its destabilizing effects.

Incidence

Political rivalry is a persistent phenomenon affecting governance and social stability across all continents, often intensifying during election cycles or periods of regime change. Its incidence is evident in both established democracies and emerging states, where competition between political factions can escalate into legislative gridlock, public protests, or even violence. The global scale of political rivalry underscores its capacity to disrupt policy-making, erode public trust, and hinder international cooperation.
In 2023, political rivalry in Nigeria reached a peak during the general elections, with major parties engaging in heated disputes, allegations of electoral fraud, and sporadic violence in several states, notably Lagos and Rivers.

Claim

Political rivalry is a deeply troubling problem that undermines the very foundation of democracy. Instead of fostering healthy debate, it breeds division, hostility, and gridlock, preventing real progress on urgent issues. This toxic competition prioritizes party loyalty over the public good, eroding trust in institutions and fueling polarization. If left unchecked, political rivalry threatens social cohesion and the effective governance that societies desperately need to address complex, pressing challenges.

Counter-claim

Political rivalry is vastly overstated as a problem. In fact, it’s a natural and necessary part of any healthy democracy, fostering debate and innovation. Without rivalry, politics would stagnate, and progress would halt. The real issues lie elsewhere—corruption, inequality, and apathy—not in the spirited competition between parties. Obsessing over rivalry distracts from genuine challenges and undermines the very dynamism that drives societies forward. Political rivalry is simply not a significant concern.