Showunmi proposes four-year party membership rule to curb political tourism

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Convener of The Alternative, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has called for constitutional amendments to curb frequent defections by politicians that has destabilised nation’s democratic system.

Showunmi, in a policy paper titled “Strengthening Political Parties as Pillars of Democracy”, proposed that anyone seeking elective office must have been a registered member of their political party for at least four years before an election.

He said the measure, to be entrenched in amendments to sections 65(2)(b), 106(d), 131(c), and 177(c) of the 1999 Constitution, would end what he described as “political tourism” and ensure that politicians are driven by party ideology rather than personal ambition.

He said, “we must replace personality-driven politics with party-based governance. “This will make candidates accountable to their parties’ manifestos and prevent opportunistic defections that erode public trust.”

The proposal also recommends automatic loss of office for any elected official, who defects from the party that sponsored their election, alongside a ban on contesting for another seat under a different party for one electoral cycle.

“Under the plan, political parties would be required to clearly state their ideological principles in their constitutions, adopt transparent candidate selection processes, and publish annual audited financial reports to curb the influence of political godfathers”.

The policy further tasks the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to verify the duration of party membership through a central biometric register and disqualify candidates who fail to meet the requirements.

Showunmi listed expected benefits of the reforms to include reduced electoral violence, ideological clarity for voters, improved accountability, and stability in governance.

He stressed that the initiative was aimed at shifting Nigeria from what he called a “strongman democracy” to a system anchored on strong and credible political institutions.

The proposal includes a 12-year sunset clause, after which its impact on Nigeria’s democratic development would be reviewed.

“This is not about individuals; it is about building a political culture where parties, not personalities, drive our national development,” Showunmi said.

He added, “robust and institutionalized political parties, rather than individual leaders, constitute the cornerstone of a stable democracy”.

“This policy advocates for amendments to Nigeria’s electoral and party governance framework to fortify political parties, deter opportunistic defections, and deepen ideological accountability”.

“The proposed policy seeks to address gaps, ambiguities, and antiquated provisions while reinforcing democratic principles, the rule of law, and the separation of powers”.

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