Political Defections in Nigeria: A Survival Game
APC Survival Under Threat as Top LP Member, Ogene, Plans to Leave
The steady exodus of political allies from opposition parties to Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has sparked concern among political analysts. This trend, as reported by our website, recently gained momentum with significant figures like Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Osun PDP lawmaker Wole Oke, and numerous others jumping ship.
The latest to join the bandwagon is Afam Ogene, the Labour Party (LP) House of Representatives member for Ogbaru Constituency. Speaking with Daily Trust, Ogene, who is the leader of LP's caucus in the House of Reps, made it clear that "it's simply about survival."
To address this mass wave of political switching, Ogene suggested that the country's laws need a review. He explained, "What we'll probably do is to firm up the laws. The constitutional review process is ongoing. Like I pointed out, the only drawback is that those that think that it is in their favour today will not allow radical and progressive changes to be made."
Ogene remained optimistic, believing that "in the coming years, I am sure that some more victories will be won and democracy will keep thriving."
Behind the Defections: A Closer Look
Political analysts point to internal crises within the opposition parties, especially the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the primary reason for the continuous defections. Persistent leadership conflicts, such as the ongoing tussle over presidential candidacy, have undeniably weaken the party's cohesion.
In addition, the APC is accused of using state institutions and financial incentives to charm defectors. Some opposition parties claim a "carrot-and-stick" strategy, where politicians strive for protection or personal gain.
Another factor is the perceived strength of the APC. Defectors cite the APC's "Renewed Hope" agenda and President Tinubu's influence as pull factors, contrasting with the opposition's inability to provide credible alternatives.
The Aftermath: Implications and Remedies
The depletion of key members from opposition parties reduces their capacity to challenge the APC. This weakens democracy by potentially setting the stage for a one-party dominance, which may lead to democratic backsliding.
Moreover, the APC's growing hegemony could marginalize regional interests and stifle policy debates. The erosion of internal democracy further undermines party loyalty and voter trust, as defections driven by survivalism rather than ideology reflect.
To address these challenges, opposition parties must focus on internal restructuring, strengthen institutional safeguards, and mobilize the grassroots through policy-driven agendas. By doing so, they can stabilize their parties and ensure democracy thrives in Nigeria.
Senator Garba Maidoki’s call for governors to act as “stabilizing forces” and his plea for structural reforms underscore the urgency of these measures. Without intervention, Nigeria’s democratic landscape risks becoming a de facto one-party system.
- The mass wave of political switching from opposition parties to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria continues, with Afam Ogene, the Labour Party (LP) House of Representatives member for Ogbaru Constituency, being the latest to join.
- Ogene, who is the leader of LP's caucus in the House of Reps, stated that he defected "simply about survival" and suggested a review of the country's laws to address the issue.
- Political analysts attribute the continuous defections, including that of Ogene, to internal crises within opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), marked by persistent leadership conflicts.
- The APC is accused of leveraging state institutions and financial incentives to attract defectors, fostering a "carrot-and-stick" strategy.
- Defectors cite the APC's "Renewed Hope" agenda and President Tinubu's influence as pull factors, contrasting with the opposition's inability to provide credible alternatives.
- The depletion of key members from opposition parties reduces their capacity to challenge the APC, potentially setting the stage for a one-party dominance and democratic backsliding.
- To remedy these challenges, opposition parties should focus on internal restructuring, strengthening institutional safeguards, and mobilizing the grassroots through policy-driven agendas to stabilize their parties and safeguard democracy in Nigeria.
