First interpreting the complex forces at work since the overthrow of Gowon, this article then explores the process of party formation that has gone on as Nigeria begins the return to civilian rule. Noting that no socialist grouping on a national plane has emerged, it documents how the major contenders for power in the forthcoming elections are groups, not solely based on ethnicity, that do have some ideological differences, but are nevertheless parties that are organised around well‐known political figures from pre‐military coup days. It remains to be seen whether subsequent developments lead to the more clear‐cut emergence of ideological competition or back to the old ethnic in‐fighting and the perpetuation of the present class domination.