In Nigeria’s democratic journey, one recurring threat continues to destabilise the political terrain — the chronic defection of politicians from one party to another. This trend is not only harmful to political stability but also undermines ideological clarity, electoral integrity, and most importantly, citizen trust.

Under NIDMECORP, we believe that without decent and expert mentoring, guidance, or coaching — even in politics, Nigeria cannot attain quality governance and leadership quickly enough. Mentorship bridges experience and vision. It builds character, enforces values, and ensures continuity of purpose, especially for the emerging generation of leaders in the Diaspora and at home.

There’s no better time for active internal political adherence and obedience than now.

A look at Nigeria’s top political figures, and Nigeria is without debate Africa’s largest political nation, reveals a worrying pattern: virtually all have decamped or moved from one party to another, with some doing so multiple times. Names like within Presidency, Governors, Ministers, Senators, Members of the House of Representatives have crossed party lines more than once. This is not a coincidence. It is symptomatic of a political class lacking ideological discipline and often driven by short-term ambitions or personal survival. It is of course right, and one’s rights to moved or decamped but NOT WITH THE VOTES OF THE VOTERS OR ELECTORATE.

Defections at a Glance: Winners and Losers

A review of notable Nigerian politicians from 1999 to 2023 shows:

(a) Political Party (b) Politicians Joined (c) Politicians Left (d) Net Gain/Loss

(a) APC (b) 16 (c) 5 (d) +11

(a) PDP (b) 10 (c) 18 (d) -8

(a) ACN, ANPP, CPC Balanced (merged) Balanced 0

LP, NNPP, DPP Minor Gains Minimal/None +1 each

(a) APGA (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) -1

Key Highlights:

✅ 100% defection rate among top-tier politicians
✅ 50% chronic defection pattern seen in multiple party switches
✅ Involves prominent figures like a former President, former Vice President, Governors, National Assembly leaders, etc.
✅ APC emerges as the biggest net gainer with a +11 advantage
✅ PDP suffers the highest net loss at -8

This reflects a 100% defection rate among top-tier politicians and a 50% chronic defection pattern, with individuals like a former President, VP, Governors, Ministers and NASS Members switching affiliations multiple times.

This state of play weakens party structures and discourages younger politicians from cultivating loyalty, structure, or belief in democratic values. When leaders switch sides with impunity, they signal that politics is transactional — a dangerous message for any democracy.

This calls into INEC’s Legal and Moral Responsibility.

The 1999 Nigerian Constitution (Section 68(1)(g)) and the Electoral Act clearly state that a legislator who defects from the party that sponsored their election must vacate their seat — except in the case of a genuine party split or merger. This rule is aimed at ensuring electoral accountability.

Sadly, INEC has failed to enforce this provision. Legislators and even governors who cross party lines stay in office, benefit from state resources, and destabilise governance — with no consequence. This weakens democracy and empowers political opportunism.

As the electoral umpire, INEC must be held accountable. It must implement the laws as they are, not as politics dictates. The failure to conduct byelections when necessary not only violates the constitution but undermines Nigeria’s political development.

As an international organisation for mentoring, youth development and leader callnon INEC to go beyond soft padding parties and politicians.

Suggested Ideas and Reform Approach includes-

The Way Forward: Rebuilding Electoral and Political Integrity

1. Constitutional & Electoral Act Reforms

Amendments must strengthen the enforcement mechanisms for Section 68(1)(g) and make automatic byelections mandatory within 90 days of unlawful defections.

2. INEC Accountability

Civil society and the judiciary must pressure INEC to uphold its duty or face legal action for failure to act on illegal decampings.

3. Internal Party Democracy

Many defections are due to rigged primaries, godfatherism, and imposed candidates. Stronger internal democracy will reduce political migration.

4. Public Awareness & Media Pressure

Citizens must be educated to hold defectors accountable and reward party loyalty. The media must spotlight frequent defectors as destabilizers, not heroes.

5. Ideological Party Development

Nigerian parties must evolve from opportunistic coalitions to issue-based platforms rooted in clear policy agendas and values.

Others in similar positions are-

1. Strengthen Mentorship Platforms or establish a strong link between various organisations in the country.

Diaspora professionals and veterans must mentor upcoming politicians on ethics, party discipline, and legacy-driven leadership.

2. Electoral Law Enforcement
INEC must strictly implement constitutional provisions by declaring seats vacant upon unlawful defection, where elected brings legal demand of the seat iand conducting byelections promptly.

3. Civic Education and Voter Power
Citizens must be enlightened to reject habitual defectors and vote for candidates with a proven commitment to ideology and public service.

4. Internal Party Democracy
Reforms are needed to ensure that parties run fair primaries and build strong internal structures that discourage defection due to injustice or imposition.

5. Constitutional Reforms
The National Assembly should consider amendments that mandate automatic loss of office and immediate elections upon illegal defection.

Nigeria cannot deepen its democracy if politicians change parties as easily as footballers switch clubs. The damage goes beyond political gamesmanship — it erodes institutions, alienates voters, and corrupts governance. The biggest loser is not PDP, APC, LP or any party. The real loser is Nigeria’s democratic future.

It is time for INEC to stop being silent and start doing its job — or risk becoming a bystander to the collapse of democratic discipline in the countr y.

Nigeria Needs Disciplined Leaders, Not Political Merchants.

As we build a new generation of leaders, especially through platforms that support political growth and development, we must instill the values of loyalty, ideology, and service. Defection without consequence is not only a betrayal of voters but also a betrayal of our democracy.

INEC must rise to its duty. The laws must be obeyed. And our desire to have a country in great shape must be relentless.

The future of Nigeria’s governance depends on the seeds we plant today — and mentorship, positive awareness, great leadership and governance are the first steps and most vital tools.

End

Thank you and happy midterm or 2nd term anniversary.

Prepared and presented NIDMECORP (Nationals in Diaspora Mentoring Corp.)