Political Party Defection and its effect on Political Ideologies and National Growth – written by Nduka Anyanwu, SA, media to the National Chairman APGA, Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa
Since the restoration of democratic structures in May 1999, there have been cases of serving legislators defecting to another party other than the party under whose umbrella they contested and won elections. This act is known as Cross Carpeting. In the Nigerian political space, it is popularly known as decamping or defection.
The issue of the defection of serving legislators, executives and any elected person had become a stigma, an embarrassment, and a form of dishonour to parties that sponsor candidates to victory in an election.
To reduce the rate of defection of serving legislators as well other elected public holders, the Nigerian Constitution was further amended to checkmate how serving legislators jump from one party to another, particularly after being elected into office under a particular party.
Following the general elections held in February and March 2023, there have been cases of defection. Some are in court, while some are being overlooked.
Political party defection, also known as cross-carpeting or party switching, can have significant effects on political ideologies and, consequently, on national growth. The impact of political party defection on political ideologies and national development cannot be over emphasized, therefore it has become imperative, as a Political Party with great Ideology, and under the able leadership of our Party, APGA. We critically look at ways in which we can consolidate and ensure that these defections is managed for optimal result for the good of our populace. These effects may include:
1. Ideological Dilution: Political party defection can dilute the ideological coherence and clarity within parties. When politicians switch parties frequently, it becomes challenging for parties to maintain a consistent and coherent ideology. This dilution can lead to a lack of clear policy direction and weaken the party’s ability to effectively pursue its ideological
goals.
2. Opportunistic Politics: Defection can be driven by personal ambitions, political expediency, or pursuit of personal gains rather than a genuine commitment to a particular ideology. Politicians may switch parties based on short-term considerations such as electoral prospects, access to power, or personal relationships, rather than principled ideological differences. This opportunistic behavior can undermine the integrity of political ideologies and erode public trust in the political system.
3. Inconsistent Policy Implementation: Party defections can disrupt policy implementation and continuity. When politicians switch parties, it often leads to changes in government positions, cabinet appointments, and policy priorities. Inconsistent policy implementation can hinder effective governance, disrupt development programs, and create uncertainty for investors and the public.
4. Lack of Accountability: Frequent party switching can reduce accountability as politicians may evade responsibility for the outcomes of their actions. Defections can make it difficult for voters to hold politicians accountable for their performance and policy decisions. This lack of accountability can undermine transparency, hinder effective governance, and impede national growth.
5. Weakened Opposition Role: Party defections can weaken the role of the opposition in a democratic system. Opposition parties play a crucial role in providing alternative policy proposals, scrutinizing the government’s actions, and ensuring checks and balances. Defections from opposition parties to the ruling party can diminish the strength and effectiveness of the opposition, leading to a less robust democratic process.
However, the National Chairman in his opinion, feels, that mitigating the effects through these below itemized means will go a long way in creating a robust political system with consolidated ideology for National Growth:
1. Strengthening Internal Party Democracy: Parties should focus on fostering internal party democracy, promoting ideology-driven decision-making processes, and encouraging open debates on policy issues. This can help reduce the incentive for defection and foster a culture of party loyalty based on shared values and principles.
2. Legislative Reforms: Implementing legislative reforms that discourage frequent party switching can be considered. This may involve introducing laws that require politicians who switch parties to forfeit their seats or face certain consequences. Such reforms can discourage opportunistic defections and promote stability in the political system. Inasmuch as there are some constitutional provisions, the Constitution of Nigeria is very clear on the issue of serving legislators moving from one political party to another. Section
68(1) (g) of the Constitution provides as well other related sections of the constitution, but there are need for a consolidation of this reform.
3. Public Awareness and Engagement: Educating the public about the impact of party defections on political ideologies and national development can enhance awareness and promote a more informed electorate. Citizens can play an active role in holding politicians accountable for their actions and decisions, encouraging a culture of principled politics and discouraging opportunistic defections.
4. Ethical Leadership and Political Culture: Promoting ethical leadership and fostering a positive political culture that values integrity, transparency, and accountability can help mitigate the negative effects of party defections. Political leaders should be role models who prioritize the public interest and adhere to their professed ideologies, thereby fostering a culture of trust and long-term national development.
5. Addressing the challenges associated with party defections requires a multi-faceted approach, including legislative reforms, internal party reforms, public education, and ethical leadership. By promoting ideological coherence, discouraging opportunistic politics, and enhancing accountability, Nigeria can foster a more stable political environment conducive to national growth and development. It is obvious that jumping from one political party to another, particularly for serving legislators, is in bad faith, having been sponsored by one political party. The courts have consistently held that the votes of one party cannot be transferred to another.
Unfortunately, in Nigeria, politics and political interests have taken precedence over constitutional provisions. We can only hope to get it right in Nigeria. – TIME SHALL TELL!
Written for and on-behalf of Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa,
APGA National Chairman
