Cost of political defections on Nigeria’s democracy

As Nigerian politicians get set to take part in off-season elections next year and the general election in 2027, defections from one political party to another are sending shockwaves through the country’s political landscape. The gale of defections by Nigerian politicians has raised concerns about their motives and the implications for the country’s democracy. In the past, defections from one political party to another were aultrustically based, but today, it is driven by selfish ambitions.

Democarcy thrives on voters’ choice, where voters largely vote for candidates on platforms of political parties, manifestoes, and perceived values. Therefore, when politicians defect, shortly after election, they undermine the mandate freely given by the electorate. 

In Nigeria, the reasons often adduced for defection from one party to another by politicians range from lack of internal democracy in their parties, and the need to align with the political party at the centre. But this growing culture of party-hopping poses serious questions about the health, credibility, and future of Nigeria’s democracy. Though the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria allows for defections under certain circumstances, such as internal party crises, that provision has been stretched beyond its intent and abused. 

There have been vague interpretations of “division” within parties which have become convenient excuses for political realignment. This legal loophole has allowed opportunistic politicians to evade accountability while retaining their seats.

Currently, defections have distorted  the balance of power within legislative chambers across the country. We make bold to say that sudden shifts in party strength can upend opposition roles, weaken legislative oversight, and create dominant-party systems that encourage impunity.

 A democracy without a strong opposition is vulnerable to executive overreach and poor governance. Decamping from one party to another, especially to the political party in power, helps to destabilise other parties and compromise their ability to offer governance alternatives. The impact on governance is equally troubling. Today, we have seen elected officials preoccupied with negotiating how to decamp than addressing the pressing challenges of insecurity, inflation, unemployment, and infrastructure decay.

As we move forward , political parties must rebuild internal democracy, enforce discipline, and articulate clear ideological visions in order to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy. By so doing, parties can rebuild trust and create a more stable, accountable political environment. 

The Independent National Electoral Commission and the judiciary must also provide firm guidance on constitutional provisions regarding defections, ensuring they are not abused. Until political defections carry moral and political consequences, Nigeria’s democratic institutions will remain fragile.

The cost of unchecked defections is not borne by politicians alone, it is paid for by the Nigerian people, in weakened governance and eroded trust. Nigerians  must demand accountability from politicians and parties, promoting a culture of integrity and loyalty to the nation.

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