The recent wave of party defections in Nigeria has sparked intense debate and concern about the stability of the country's democratic system. Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mike Ahamba has been vocal about the issue, expressing his disapproval of the increasing number of politicians jumping ship to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to Ahamba, these politicians are opportunists who lack political ideals, driven solely by personal interests. "They are like consumers who enter a local cafe when the food is ready to be served," he said, referring to them as "food-is-ready politicians." Ahamba emphasized that these individuals are not committed to any particular ideology or party principles, but rather to whoever holds power.
*The Motivation Behind Party Defections*
Ahamba believes that many lawmakers defect to the APC because they believe it will absolve them of their past political transgressions. "A previous governor once stated that any individual who joins the APC will have their political transgressions taken away from them," Ahamba recalled. This perception has led many politicians to seek refuge in the APC, hoping to protect their personal interests.
The trend of party defections is not limited to the APC. Ahamba noted that many politicians who defected from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) did so solely for electoral opportunities. Now, they're migrating to the APC or other parties in search of new opportunities. "They are devoted to whoever is in control, and not to any particular beliefs or ideology of the party," Ahamba said.
*The Labour Party: A Case Study*
The Labour Party is a prime example of how party defections can occur when politicians prioritize personal interests over party principles. After Peter Obi's defeat in the 2023 presidential election, many Labour Party lawmakers defected to other parties. Ahamba sees this as evidence that some politicians only remain loyal to a party when they perceive rewards from doing so.
"Take, for instance, the Labour Party as being an example," Ahamba said. "Due to the fact that Peter Obi did not emerge victorious in the presidential election, the majority of the individuals who were elected to serve on the platform of the Labour Party in the National Assembly and Houses of Assembly in their respective states have now vanished."
*The Implications for Nigeria's Democracy*
The trend of party defections has significant implications for Nigeria's democracy. When politicians prioritize personal interests over party principles, it can undermine the stability and credibility of the political process. Ahamba's concerns highlight the need for politicians to prioritize the interests of their constituents and the nation over personal gain.
*Conclusion*
The recent wave of party defections in Nigeria is a worrying trend that threatens the stability of the country's democratic system. As Ahamba pointed out, politicians must prioritize party principles and ideology over personal interests. By doing so, they can build trust with their constituents and contribute to a more stable and credible political process. Ultimately, the fate of Nigeria's democracy depends on the integrity and commitment of its politicians.
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