Defections not good for our democracy
If there is anything that indicates the death of opposition politics in Nigeria, it is the gale of defection rocking the country’s political atmosphere. Recently, many politicians have defected to the ruling party, including the Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, the former vice-presidential running mate, Senator Ifenyi Okowa, and the whole structure of PDP in […]
If there is anything that indicates the death of opposition politics in Nigeria, it is the gale of defection rocking the country’s political atmosphere. Recently, many politicians have defected to the ruling party, including the Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, the former vice-presidential running mate, Senator Ifenyi Okowa, and the whole structure of PDP in Delta State.
Though the presidency has denied the insinuation and ruled out any possibility of Nigeria drifting to one party system, it is very alarming and disturbing that opposition parties have been severely fractured and are in a state of disarray. Opposition parties play the greatest roles for the development of democracy. They serve as a watchdog and check the excesses of the government in power. Besides, opposition parties also serve as an alternative to the ruling party. If the ruling party performs below expectations, the electorate have an option to vote for other political parties.
However, in Nigeria, politicians see political parties as vehicles to ascend to power. Even in power, these politicians view politics as a gravy train for wealth accumulation, rather than an avenue for services delivery. This is in sharp contrast with developed democracies where political parties and politicians are ideologically based. It is very rare to see politicians rampantly moving in droves from one political party to another. But defection in Nigeria did not attract any sanctions despite the fact that political parties’ constitutions have spelt out penalties, including losing of power. Little wonder that they keep changing political parties that suit their interest.
To trust Nigerian politicians is at your own peril. They do not have an iota of shame. They will blame and chide a political party and defect to it the next day. While in politics, alignment and realignment of political forces are necessary. As the country inches to another circle of elections, defection is the last card these politicians can play to remain politically relevant.
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To minimise the high incidence of defection and stop the country from drifting to one party system, there is the need for a multi-facet approach to address the root causes of defection. First, ensuring that party structures are democratic, inclusive, and transparent. Hold regular party congresses to allow members to participate in decision-making processes. Secondly, ensuring that nominations for elections are based on merit, rather than patronage or other factors. Thirdly, ensuring a transparent selection process for candidates and fostering a strong sense of shared ideology and values among party members. Lastly, establishing mechanisms for addressing grievances and concern within the party and above all implementing programmes that reward loyalty and dedication to the party.
Additionally, opposition parties should reorganise themselves and refine their operations. They should quickly adopt measures to forestall defection sweeping across the country. There is no gainsaying the fact that one-party system suppresses dissent voices, stipples civic space and promotes dictatorship. Nigeria democracy can only survive in a competitive environment where the electorate have wide options to choose from different political parties. Therefore, imposing a one-party system will not augur well for the growth and development of our over two decades old fledgling democracy.
Ibrahim Mustapha Pambegua, Kaduna State