| Unity Party of Nigeria | |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1978 |
| Headquarters | Ibadan |
| Ideology | Social democracy, Democratic socialism, Awoism |
| Politics of Nigeria Political parties Elections |
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The Unity Party of Nigeria was a Nigerian political party that was dominant in western Nigeria during the second republic. The party revolved around the political leadership of Obafemi Awolowo, a sometimes polemical but effective administrator. However, the party's main difference with its competitors was not the leader but the ideals of a social democracy it was founded on. Both UPN and PRP presented the most coherent plan of action during the electioneering campaign of 1979. The party jettisoned building a coalition of comfort in a polarizing political environment but based partnerships on a coalition of like minded advocates of democratic socialism.
The desired goal of the military government of Olusegun Obasanjo to build national political parties led to a gradual weakening of ethnic politics in the second republic. However, an emerging force was beginning to shape the political debate, class became a political matter to be exploited or used for political gain. The UPN, saw itself as a party for everyone, it was the only party to promote free education and called itself a welfarist party.