On the Kaduna defectors
Last week, in one of his rare public interviews, Senator Ahmed Makarfi spoke with his usual wisdom, saying that some elected politicians who once believed that only God and the people could get them elected now think differently. Before diving deeper, I must reaffirm that there is a general consensus in the country that the […]
Last week, in one of his rare public interviews, Senator Ahmed Makarfi spoke with his usual wisdom, saying that some elected politicians who once believed that only God and the people could get them elected now think differently.
Before diving deeper, I must reaffirm that there is a general consensus in the country that the ruling government has prioritised political rhetoric over governance. But the frustrating part about this notion is seeing elected opposition officeholders joining the ugly dance of the incumbent party—the party they campaigned against to win their seats barely thirty months ago.
And it is more worrying in Kaduna, given the new ritual of defections. This is not similar to the case of those serial, transactional defectors and disgruntled politicians who joined the APC a few months ago. This concerns opposition politicians in the National and State Assemblies who won their seats against the strong presence of the APC in the state. At that time, all three senatorial seats, ten out of sixteen members of the House of Representatives, and twelve seats in the Kaduna State House of Assembly were vacant.
It was an overwhelming result, given the PDP’s weak position before the election, where they held fewer seats. But the opposition party stood its ground and prayed to God for the support of the people. The opposition candidates—now defectors—were the ones preaching to the people not to vote for the ruling party. They promised voters a positive outcome once they got elected. The people felt attracted to their perspective and everyone joined them in prayers. Fortunately, God answered their prayers, and the people put their trust in them by voting for them.
But instead of delivering their promises, they have now turned their backs on the people.
Today, they have chosen a new altar with the belief that salvation can only come in APC colours. Many regret voting for these politicians because if they had known they were going to join the ruling party, they would have just voted for the candidates who contested under the APC. The good thing is that the people will not be fooled twice.
And, of course, the shameless defectors have been defending themselves. They claim to have moved for “development of their constituents,” “aligning with the centre,” or “supporting the vision of APC leaders.” The same people they campaigned against? Some of us wish they would be given tickets to contest in 2027 to see the policies they will campaign against.
Aside from being a betrayal of trust, it is also immature to see middle-aged men lacking principles, unable to demonstrate maturity, and struggling to trust in the will of God. All these politicians think about is how to remain relevant and survive. They forgot that it was God who made the people vote them to win their seats. Their survival strategy has made them lose faith in God; their faith has now shifted to the APC. Not because of APC’s record of success in good governance, but because they predict they will use the power of incumbency to write election results.
Yes, there is the rhetorical notion that the APC government will treat the general election like the local government elections, where winners will be announced without people casting their votes or without counting the ballots. But it is common knowledge that the APC is only concerned about the short-term distraction of attention on governance and accountability. Without doubt, that aim has been achieved.
This explains why public anger has spread across constituencies. As expected, the defection story carried weight across each defector’s constituency. One common trend among these defectors is the lack of credibility and principles, a problem that persists even among those who are still hesitant to defect. Readers might be frustrated that I have not put out names. I could have, but I would not want to stress you with names you will forget faster than the security guard who opened the door for you at the bank.
Personally, I did not want to draw more attention to the event, either. But this is done for the sake of posterity. These defectors, who convincingly won under the opposition umbrella, have all erased the memories of their past victories. People’s efforts are still fresh in memory. People got wounded, some lost their lives, property and assets were lost, and many were incarcerated just because they wanted to ensure a democratic change happened.
Like one of the PDP stalwarts said, only a few of these cross-carpeters could win their seats again, regardless of their parties. And if we know it, then APC knew it too. However, if they were unaware at the time, the recent backlash has made them realise. This is why many predict the APC will not grant these desperate defectors an automatic ticket to contest in 2027. And knowing what we all know; it is more surprising to see the defectors thinking they will be getting an automatic ticket. It is foolish and politically childish to think it will happen, given how many people in the APC want the same thing. Let us not forget that the party has repeatedly promised several of its members an automatic ticket for one seat. I am certain that five APC members, including two transactional defectors, were promised automatic tickets in one senatorial zone in Kaduna. All of them have sworn to their supporters that they will get it, but they know the chance of it not happening is higher than the hope of getting it.
I may be wrong, but my advice is for voters to worry less about these defectors all across the country. Those who do not defect earn credibility. They will be seen as principled politicians and will set a good example for the next generation of politicians. Those who cross over can serve as an example of politicians who are insecure, hungry and naive.