The main aim of political parties is to

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the main aim (the primary purpose) of political parties in a political system.

Step 2: Explain the concept A political party is an organized group of people with shared ideas about how a country should be governed. They put forward candidates for elections, with the goal of winning government office and implementing their policies. Everything else a party does (campaigning, recruiting members, drafting manifestos, educating voters) serves this central aim: gaining and using political power.

Step 3: Evaluate each option

• A. Control the economic resources of a nation: Parties may influence economic policy once in government, but controlling resources is not their defining aim. It is a possible result of holding power.
• B. Mobilize the nation behind a single leader: This describes a personality cult or a one-party dictatorship. Parties usually have many leaders and compete with other parties in a democracy.
• C. Organize and control elections: In Nigeria this is the job of the electoral body, INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission). Parties contest elections; they do not run them.
• D. Capture and exercise political power: Parties contest elections to win control of government and run it according to their ideology and manifesto. This is the core purpose of a party.

Step 4: Answer The correct answer is D. capture and exercise political power.

Exam tip: When you see "main aim of political parties," think "power": win it, then use it. Remember that parties contest elections, while INEC conducts them. This distinction helps you eliminate option C quickly.