Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-04-10 04:06:05
The Southeast region in Nigeria is experiencing a worrisome trend of politicians lacking principles and political parties devoid of ideologies. The landscape is witnessing a wave of defections as politicians switch parties for perceived financial benefits. This shift is turning the region into a stronghold for a one-party system, with the supposed voices of opposition defecting to the ruling parties.
Thirteen months after the 2023 general elections, a surge in defections can be observed in the Southeast region. The ease with which politicians are moving between parties is attributed to the lack of strong political ideologies in Nigeria’s political parties.
Similar to the mass movement of politicians to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 1999, there is now an influx of prominent politicians joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Investigations show that over 20 politicians who contested in the last elections have changed parties, with more expected to follow suit.
The defection trend is more pronounced in the Southeast compared to other regions in the country. Politicians who have both won and lost elections are among those defecting, either due to being marginalized within their parties or anticipating political appointments. Some are motivated by pending cases with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and believe that joining the ruling party will mitigate their legal issues.
Of the political parties involved, the APC seems to be benefiting the most and is looking forward to welcoming more politicians into its fold. Ifeanyi Ubah, a senator from Anambra South, was one of the first to defect from the Young Progressive Party (YPP) to the APC. His move was swiftly followed by notable figures like former Senators Uche Ekwunife and Stella Oduah.
While the APC gains new members, the PDP is also facing its share of defections. Prominent figures like Obinna Ogba and Lazarus Ogbee, who lost in the 2023 elections, have joined the APC along with their supporters. Even in states like Abia, former PDP members have crossed over to the APC, citing reasons such as supporting President Tinubu’s infrastructural development plans.
Apart from party politics, the gale of defections has also affected the Enugu State House of Assembly, where six members recently switched from the Labour Party to the PDP. Conversely, two-term senator Chukwuka Utazi and former Minister of Aviation Fidelia Njeze left the PDP to join the APC, expressing aspirations for the Igbo presidency and greater national political influence.
A lack of strong political ideologies in Nigeria is seen as the driving force behind the rampant defections, according to political analysts. The scarcity of politicians with steadfast beliefs leads to a continuous cycle of jumping ship in search of favorable opportunities. The trend of defections highlights the absence of credible opposition, showcasing a political environment driven by self-interest rather than principled governance.
In conclusion, the current wave of defections in the Southeast region reflects a broader problem in Nigeria’s political landscape. Without defined ideologies and principled leadership, the region risks becoming a stronghold for a one-party system, eroding the foundations of a robust democracy. It is imperative for politicians to prioritize public service over personal gains, contributing to a more stable and transparent political environment for the future.
Read Original article on The Guardian
