Showunmi Submits Proposal, Seeks Constitution Amendment to curb defection trends

Convener of the Alternative, Segun Showunmi, has submitted a proposal for a sweeping constitutional amendment to curb the trend of detections among Nigerian politicians. In a policy paper titled “Strengthening Political Parties as Pillars of Democracy,” he proposed that anyone seeking elective office must have been a registered member of their political party for at […]

Convener of the Alternative, Segun Showunmi, has submitted a proposal for a sweeping constitutional amendment to curb the trend of detections among Nigerian politicians.

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

According to him, 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.

The proposal 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.

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

Showunmi emphasized that political parties should be the pillars of Nigeria’s democracy, not just vehicles for electoral victory.

“The strength of any democracy lies in its institutions, not in the whims of individual actors,” he said, adding that the era of ‘strongman politics’ must give way to structured, ideology-based governance.

The proposal highlights several expected outcomes including a more stable party system, where factionalism is minimized and policy implementation is coherent.

It also expects an increased accountability, with elected officials remaining tethered to their party’s manifesto and not personal interests as well a significant reduction in electoral violence and post-election disputes.

Showunmi described the policy as “a patriotic call to duty” and a necessary evolution of Nigeria’s democratic framework.

According to him, with broad stakeholder engagement, legislative support, and public buy-in, the amendments can lay the foundation for a more accountable, ideology-driven, and people-focused political system.

Showunmi called for a robust civic education campaign to complement these structural reforms.

He said “The emphasis on party institutionalization will facilitate Nigeria’s transition from a “strongman”democracy to one anchored in robust, ideologically rooted parties.

“These policy frameworks will effectively curb the destabilizing effects of cross-carpeting, foster policy continuity, and align Nigeria with global best practices in party-driven democracies.

“This policy document aspires to create an enduring legacy as it balances legal precision with strategic vision, ensuring Nigeria’s democracy is resilient against the whims of individuals and firmly rooted in enduring institutional structures.”