After independence, when the colonialists handed over political and administrative control to Nigerians, leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, and Tafawa Balewa laid down structures for party politics. In those days, it was unimaginable for members of their respective political parties to recklessly abandon ship. Yes, collaborations and coalitions happened when there were shared national interests, but party loyalty and ideological commitment remained strong.
Even during the vibrant Second Republic, with parties such as the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), and the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), cases of “cross-carpeting” were extremely rare. Politicians then valued their credibility, and defection was considered an act of betrayal.
Sadly, today the situation is different. At the slightest disagreement during a political meeting, some politicians shamelessly defect to another party. Instead of facing consequences, such defections are perversely rewarded. Those who insult their former parties and leaders often return later, only to be welcomed with juicy appointments, while loyal members who stood firm through challenges are sidelined. This dangerous culture not only erodes party integrity but also discourages genuine political participation.
A shining example of ideological consistency is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He began in the Alliance for Democracy (AD), a party of progressive-minded Nigerians. When his warnings about President Obasanjo’s plans to dominate the South-West were ignored, Tinubu did not abandon the progressive camp for the comfort of the ruling party. Instead, he built a new platform, the Action Congress (AC), with like-minded individuals. Later, the party grew into the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), which eventually merged with Buhari’s Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and others to form the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Throughout this journey, Tinubu remained steadfast. He did not defect for convenience; rather, he built alliances and strengthened his ideological base until the APC successfully ended the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) 16 years of dominance. Today, APC remains in power, largely due to his patience, resilience, and political tact.
We must therefore draw a clear line between true democrats and opportunists. Those who abandon their parties at the slightest setback are not visionaries; they are political merchants, exploiting the system for selfish gain. Sadly, the greatest injustice in our politics today is that loyal members who toiled and sacrificed for the success of their parties are neglected, while defectors are rewarded. This injustice forces many genuine loyalists to leave politics entirely, leaving the stage for opportunists.
Something must be done to reverse this dangerous trend. Loyalists and party faithfuls should be deliberately recognized and encouraged, not necessarily with appointments, but through meaningful engagement and support. A system must exist to reward patience and sacrifice, not opportunism and betrayal.
If necessary, a law should be enacted to safeguard party integrity: any politician who resigns from the party on whose platform they attained office should automatically lose that political position. Such a law would make opportunists think twice before defecting, and it would restore integrity and ideology as the true foundation of political leadership in Nigeria.
By Bola Babarinde, former Chairman APC South Africa Chapter
