A party can be said to have national outlook if________

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks what makes a political party "national" in outlook. The key word is outlook, which refers to the party's character, spirit and spread of support, not just its legal status or its leaders.

Step 2: The concept A party with a national outlook is one that:

• Draws members from all or most ethnic, religious, and regional groups in the country
• Is not tied to the interests of one ethnic group or region
• Has a programme that appeals to the whole nation

This is why Nigeria's electoral law (the Constitution and the Electoral Act) requires parties to reflect the "federal character", with membership and leadership open to all Nigerians regardless of ethnic background.

Step 3: Evaluate each option

• A. Ethnic based but has branches all over the state: Wrong. Having offices everywhere does not change the fact that the party is ethnic in character. Its base remains one ethnic group.
• B. Its membership cuts across ethnic boundaries: Correct. A truly national outlook is shown when people of different ethnic groups join and support the party.
• C. Registered by the electoral commission as a national party: Wrong. Registration is a legal requirement, not proof of national outlook. A party can be registered and still be dominated by one region or ethnic group.
• D. Headed by individuals who are famous within and without the country: Wrong. Fame of leaders says nothing about the spread or diversity of the membership.

Step 4: Answer The correct answer is B.

Exam tip: For "national outlook" or "national character" questions, look for the option about cutting across ethnic, religious, or regional lines. Words like "registered" or "famous leaders" are usually distractors, because they describe formalities or personalities rather than the party's actual spread.