While pressure groups aim at influencing government decisions, the primary aim of political parties is to ______

Analyze the question: The question contrasts pressure groups with political parties. Pressure groups try to influence government decisions without seeking office. So we need the option that describes what makes a political party different: its primary aim.

Explain the concept:

• Pressure groups (e.g., NLC, NUT, NMA, ASUU) are organized groups that try to influence government policy to protect or advance the interests of their members. They do not seek to govern.
• Political parties (e.g., APC, PDP, LP) are organized groups that seek to win elections and control the machinery of government so they can implement their policies and programmes.

Step-by-step solution:

1. A. Promote the welfare of their members: This is a typical aim of pressure groups, such as trade unions and professional associations.
2. B. Execute particular programmes: Parties do execute programmes, but only after they gain power. This is a result of winning power, not the primary aim.
3. C. Influence legislation to benefit their members: This describes pressure groups or lobbying.
4. D. Control political power: This is the defining feature of a political party. It contests elections to form the government and hold power.

Answer: D. control political power

Exam tip: Remember this contrast:

• Pressure group → influence power
• Political party → capture and control power

When a question says "while pressure groups influence...", the answer for parties is almost always about winning or controlling government.