Defection in Nigeria: The concept of the “electorate as a political commodity” vividly illuminates a troubling dynamic in democratic systems, particularly pronounced in Nigeria. Here, the pervasive phenomenon of defection, or “cross-carpeting,” underscores a deeper systemic flaw: the absence of robust ideological party structures and the unfortunate prioritization of personal gain over public service.

This essay by Fadaka Louis delves into how defection reduces the electorate to a mere transferable asset, offering illustrative Nigerian examples, and critically, why the Nigerian electorate must endeavor to uphold principles over the allure of self-serving politicians.

 

The Electorate as a Political Commodity: A Nigerian Reality

When politicians defect from one party to another, it can be argued that they are treating the votes and mandates of the electorate as a fluid, transferable commodity, rather than a sacred trust. This dynamic manifests in several problematic ways:
1. Undermining the Electoral Mandate: The Rivers State Example
Voters cast their ballots for a candidate based on the party they represent, its stated ideology, manifesto, and promises. When an elected official defects, they are essentially taking the mandate given to them by the voters under one platform and transferring it to another, often without seeking a fresh mandate. This can be seen as “swindling the mandate” of the voters.

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A stark illustration is the mass defection of 27 Rivers State House of Assembly members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December 2023. These lawmakers were elected on the PDP platform, representing the will of their constituents who largely voted for the PDP. Their defection, amidst a political crisis between the state governor and his predecessor, was widely perceived as an act of political opportunism, driven by external forces rather than a genuine shift in belief or the interest of their constituents.

The electorate in Rivers State, who meticulously chose PDP representatives, effectively had their mandate “sold” or “transferred” to the APC without their direct consent or the crucial democratic process of a fresh election.

 

2. Lack of Ideology and the “Anyhwere-Belle-Face” Politician
In Nigeria, political parties, for the most part, lack distinct ideological differences. They are frequently described as “mere vehicles for power acquisition.” This absence of clear ideological grounding makes defection easy and commonplace.

Politicians are often colloquially referred to as “anyhwere-belle-face” (meaning “face any direction where the stomach leads”), highlighting their transactional and often self-serving approach to politics.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar serves as a classic example of this fluid political movement. He has defected multiple times between the PDP, Action Congress (AC), and APC throughout his political career (e.g., leaving PDP for AC in 2007, then to APC, and back to PDP). While politicians might cite internal party disagreements, the sheer frequency of such movements underscores a political system where personal ambition and power calculations frequently supersede party loyalty or consistent ideological commitment. The electorate, in this scenario, becomes a pool of votes whose allegiance is perceived as transferable with the politician, not firmly rooted in a consistent party philosophy.

 

3. Commodification of Political Loyalty: The Lure of the “Ruling Party”
Defection often leads to a situation where political loyalty itself becomes a commodity. Politicians may switch parties based on financial inducements, promises of influential positions, or other personal benefits. This transforms governance decisions into transactions driven by self-interest rather than public interest, further reducing the electorate’s role to mere numbers to be traded.

The influx of several governors and lawmakers from opposition parties into the ruling APC, particularly in the run-up to the 2023 general elections and even after, vividly exemplifies this. For instance, the defection of Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State from the PDP to the APC in 2021, followed by many state and local government officials, was widely interpreted as a strategic move to align with the federal government for perceived political and economic advantages. This treats the voters who elected them on the PDP platform as simply part of a transferable political “asset” that inherently accompanies the governor.

 

4. Erosion of Public Trust and Disillusionment
When politicians defect frequently and for perceived selfish reasons, it significantly erodes public trust in the democratic process and its institutions. Voters become deeply disillusioned, leading to apathy and reduced participation in elections. They may feel that their votes don’t truly matter if the representatives they elect can simply abandon their original mandate.

This erosion of trust contributes significantly to voter apathy, starkly evidenced by declining voter turnout in recent elections. The 2023 general elections, for instance, saw a turnout of just 26.08%, one of the lowest in Nigeria’s history. When the electorate witnesses their mandate treated as a commodity that can be traded, their belief in the integrity of the democratic process diminishes, making them less inclined to participate.

 

5. Weakening of Opposition and Accountability
Defections often critically weaken opposition parties, especially if prominent members join the ruling party. This can lead to a semblance of a one-party state, where essential checks and balances are diminished. Without a strong opposition to scrutinize government actions, accountability suffers, and the governing party is more prone to corruption and abuse of power. This further diminishes the value of the electorate’s voice, as their ability to hold power accountable through the electoral process is severely weakened.

The recent trend of governors and lawmakers from the PDP and Labour Party endorsing or aligning with President Bola Tinubu of the APC, even while technically remaining in their original parties, further blurs the lines and weakens any semblance of a robust opposition. This effectively means that even where the electorate voted for an opposition party, their representatives might tacitly or overtly support the ruling party, further commodifying the democratic choice made by the citizens.

 

Why the Nigerian Electorate Must Resist Selfish Politicians

In light of this concerning trend, where the electorate is often treated as a mere political commodity, it becomes paramount for Nigerian citizens to critically re-evaluate their engagement with the political process. The power to stem this tide lies firmly with the electorate.

 

Here’s why the Nigerian electorate should endeavor to follow what is right, focusing on principles and genuine representation, rather than being swayed by selfish politicians:
* Safeguarding the Sanctity of Your Vote and Mandate: Your vote is your most powerful tool in a democracy. It is a sacred trust, a mandate given to a representative to act on your behalf, guided by the promises made during the election and the party’s principles. When politicians defect, they betray this trust. By consistently voting for individuals with integrity and clear ideological stances, and holding them accountable for their actions, you reinforce the sanctity of your mandate. If politicians understand that their defection will be met with electoral rejection, they will be less likely to treat your vote as transferable property.

 

* Building a Principled and Ideological Political System: The current fluidity of defections is largely due to the absence of strong, ideologically driven political parties.

When voters prioritize the character and principles of candidates and the clarity of party manifestos over transient benefits or ethnic/religious sentiments, they compel politicians to build parties based on ideas, not just power acquisition. Imagine a Nigeria where parties are clearly differentiated by their economic policies, social welfare programs, or governance philosophies. This would make defection less attractive and more difficult to justify, as it would represent a clear ideological shift, not just a personal convenience.

 

* Promoting Accountability and Good Governance: Selfish politicians who defect often do so to secure personal gains or to evade accountability. They join the ruling party to secure appointments, lucrative contracts, or even immunity. By rejecting such politicians at the polls, the electorate sends a strong, unequivocal message: “Your opportunism will not be rewarded.” This electoral pressure can compel politicians to be more accountable to their constituents rather than solely to their personal ambitions. A government that genuinely fears electoral defeat due to betrayal of trust will be more inclined to prioritize public service and transparency.

 

* Combating Corruption and Patronage Politics: The commodification of the electorate directly fuels corruption. When votes can be “bought” through various means, or politicians can switch parties for financial inducements, it entrenches a system of patronage where public resources are often diverted for private gain. By demanding integrity and decisively rejecting those who engage in such practices, the electorate can significantly help dismantle the pervasive cycles of corruption that have plagued the nation. Your refusal to be bought or misled is a profoundly powerful anti-corruption tool.

 

* Fostering Genuine Representation and Inclusivity: When politicians prioritize their self-interest through defection, they often neglect the true needs and diverse aspirations of their constituents. The myriad voices and pressing challenges of the Nigerian populace are frequently drowned out by the self-serving political maneuvers of a few. By supporting representatives who consistently demonstrate a genuine commitment to serving their communities and who remain steadfast in their principles, the electorate can ensure that their true interests are articulated and effectively addressed in policy-making. This strengthens the very representative nature of democracy, ensuring that political decisions genuinely reflect the will of the people, not merely the whims of defectors.

 

* Strengthening Democratic Institutions and Discouraging Political Instability: Frequent and unprincipled defections significantly weaken democratic institutions. They create an inherently unstable political environment, where alliances are fragile and governance can be perpetually disrupted. A strong, discerning electorate that consistently rewards consistency and decisively penalizes betrayal is absolutely crucial for building robust and stable democratic institutions. When politicians understand that their primary loyalty is to the people, not just a fleeting opportunity, the entire political system gains critical stability and credibility.

In conclusion, the prevalence of political defection in Nigeria highlights a system where the electorate’s democratic choice is frequently treated as a transferable commodity. This opportunistic political culture, driven by a profound lack of ideological depth and an unwavering pursuit of personal gain, has profound negative consequences for democratic consolidation, public trust, and accountability in the country.

However, the Nigerian electorate possesses the ultimate power to reclaim its rightful place as the sovereign voice in the democratic process. By choosing to follow what is right, prioritizing principles over fleeting inducements, and consistently rejecting the manipulative tactics of selfish politicians, they can indeed usher in an era of principled leadership, strong institutions, and genuine, sustainable progress for the nation.

 

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Fadaka Louis, Publisher, Analyst, Coach