The unchanging nature of Nigerian politics since independence in 1960 has left the country’s political landscape fraught with dirty tactics and questionable practices. While outright violence such as political assassinations and imprisonments of opponents have lessened, the methods for securing fraudulent election victories have merely evolved. This persistent issue has hindered the emergence of visionary leaders capable of formulating and implementing effective policies for the nation’s development.
To address this, genuine efforts must be made to prevent the appointment of incapable individuals, particularly at the subnational level, as this perpetuates the challenges faced by successive governments. In many other countries, political leaders respect principles and exhibit loyalty to their parties, unlike in Nigeria where politicians frequently switch allegiances for personal gain, undermining the essence of democracy.
A recent example is Senator Onyewuchi Ezenwa from Imo East, who defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing internal factions within the LP. This reasoning is unconvincing to many, given that internal disagreements are common across all political parties. The trend of defecting to ruling parties for material benefits is not new, as seen with two members of the Abia State House of Assembly who left the Young Progressive Party (YPP) for the ruling Labour Party.
The judiciary has a critical role in curbing such political defections. The Supreme Court’s recent judgment in favor of local government financial autonomy demonstrates its potential to address political issues by focusing on the spirit rather than the letter of the law. This approach can also be applied to prevent defectors from transferring votes between parties, thus preserving the integrity of the electoral process.
During President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, Governors Ben Ayade and Dave Umahi switched from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC without losing their positions, highlighting a judicial oversight. A more rigorous interpretation of the law, recognizing that votes belong to both the candidate and the party, could deter such defections.
The judiciary should also enforce internal democracy within parties, preventing leaders from sidelining legitimate candidates. Ensuring that primary elections are respected and monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is essential for maintaining democratic norms.
Political stability and effective governance in Nigeria will remain elusive unless politicians are held accountable. The current administration cannot be solely blamed for ongoing issues, but continuous political irresponsibility exacerbates bad governance. Addressing these systemic problems is crucial for the nation’s progress and the well-being of its citizens.
News Editor