In the ever-shifting landscape of Nigeria’s politics, party defections have become so common they barely raise eyebrows anymore. From the federal chambers to state assemblies, politicians continue to switch allegiances with the ease of changing shirts, often with little or no explanation to the electorate. But these frequent political migrations beg an important question: Are they driven by ideology, or by plain opportunism?
Ideally, political parties exist to embody distinct ideologies and policy directions. They offer voters a sense of what to expect in terms of governance, values, and national vision. When politicians abandon these platforms with little justification, it casts a long shadow over the sincerity of their political commitments. What do these defections say about the state of political ideology in Nigeria? Not much, and that’s the problem.
Rather than reflecting deep disagreements with party principles, many of these defections appear to be calculated moves aimed at political survival, access to state resources, or protection from legal scrutiny. It’s not uncommon to see a politician defect to the ruling party shortly after facing investigations, only for those probes to mysteriously vanish. Others jump ship as elections approach, trying to ride on the strength of a more dominant political machinery. In these cases, loyalty to the people is sacrificed on the altar of personal gain.
This culture of opportunistic defection weakens democracy. It confuses voters, undermines accountability, and erodes public trust in the political process. A politician elected on one platform owes a duty to that party’s manifesto, and to the people who voted based on it. Defecting without seeking a fresh mandate is not just a betrayal of trust; it’s an insult to democratic values.
Nigeria must revisit its laws on party defections. While Section 68 of the 1999 Constitution makes provisions for vacating a seat upon defection, the loopholes are often too easily exploited. Strengthening these provisions while also encouraging internal party democracy and transparency is critical.
More importantly, voters must become more vigilant. It is time to demand accountability, not just during elections, but throughout a politician’s tenure. Party loyalty should not trump public service, but neither should opportunism be rewarded.
Recent developments in Nigeria illustrate how defections serve both strategic calculation and signals of ambition. Just like Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, the Delta state Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with his predecessor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, have announced their defection from the PDP to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move celebrated by his new party as a decisive realignment ahead of the 2027 elections. Simultaneously, speculation surrounds former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who may defect to the APC, and this is how prospects of patronage continue to drive high-profile party-hopping in Nigeria as his Senator Kawu Sumaila has already dumped the party.
Such frequent and unchallenged party defections, driven more by personal gain than political ideology, are rare in Western democracies. There, defection usually carries a substantial political cost, often requiring fresh elections or a formal change in mandate. In contrast, Nigeria’s politics is characterised by minimal accountability for those who switch parties, as power struggles and self-interest overshadow ideological commitment.
In the end, Nigeria deserves leaders who are driven by conviction, not convenience.