As the 2027 general election approaches,
the political landscape in Nigeria continues to witness turmoil as opposition parties grapple with a wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Since the conclusion of the 2023 general elections, numerous elected representatives from opposition parties have shifted allegiance, sparking intense debate about the implications of defection on Nigeria's democracy.
Various stakeholders remain divided on the motive behind this trend. Some attribute it to selfish interests and the lack of party ideology, while others justify defections as a response to political marginalization or the pursuit of personal aspirations like actualizing a particular political goal and/or the quest for relevance in order to remain influential in politics. Other reason could also be disagreements with party leadership and to escape internal party conflicts or disagreements with party leaders
Whatever reason one tries to advance, the truth is that, defection can have significant implications for Nigeria's democracy, including:
Weakening opposition, Undermining democratic institutions and Promoting party hopping; where politicians prioritize personal interests over party loyalty.
Defection therefore, also has substantial consequences for Governance including a situation where defections can alter the balance of power in the legislature, potentially giving the ruling party more control. Another possible situation of defection is Policy shifts, where it can influence policy decisions, as politicians may prioritize their new party's agenda over their constituents' interests.
Although defection is argued to be a complex phenomenon in Nigeria's politics, with both positive and negative implications. While it can as well provide opportunities for politicians to realign with their values or interests, it is majorly believed to pose a significant threat to the health of the country’s democracy as it undermines our democratic institutions and the electoral process.
And to mitigate these risks, Nigeria needs to strengthen its democratic institutions, promote party loyalty, and ensure accountability in governance. In this sense, the judiciary must be encouraged to uphold constitutional provisions that prohibit elected officials from changing parties post-election.
Nelson Ogbu is a Media/Political Affairs Consultant and Publisher, TRUEPOINTNEWS Magazine/Online
