Following the theatrics in Nigeria’s politics since the return to democratic rule in 1999, one is confronted with a scenario in which party loyalty is often less a matter of ideology and more a matter of convenience. As we gradually come close to the 2027 general elections, these familiar scenes are replaying themselves. Yesterday’s opposition is now today’s ally, all in the quest to remain in power.
Notably, among many politicians, body language and political trajectories now tilt in favor of the All Progressives Congress. Opposition parties now appear to be perpetually nailed to failure and are gradually losing their relevance. The ruling party syndrome has eaten deep into the system, with the caricature of joining the majority to remain in power. This depletes and stifles the attempts of the opposition, leaving the people with no other alternative but intimidation. These continual shifts of alliances by politicians from one party to the other, with the majority pitching their tents with the ruling party, raise serious questions about the health of Nigeria’s democracy.
As months roll to weeks and weeks to days, a series of closed-door meetings in view of the 2027 General Elections are held by these political wigs, which leave many to question whether these meetings and those involved have the interest of the people at heart or are just selfish gestures. At the heart of this phenomenon is the weakness of ideology within political parties. Policy positions or guiding philosophies are indeed lacking in these political parties. For those defecting, they are strongly motivated by the slogan “he who blows the piper dictates the tune.” When internal party structures fail to create room for tickets, influence, or protection of a politician’s interests, these politicians migrate to political platforms where their ambitions remain secured. These shifts of alliances have reinforced godfatherism and elite bargaining, leaving voters as spectators, not participants. Many voters now experience a declining trust in the voting process. They see only flawed electoral processes, which continually promote voter apathy. In recent times, “the go to court” mantra, which has indeed damaged and weakened the political structure of Nigeria, has further emboldened the political apathy.
The defections and shifting of political alliances may not be outright bad for a politician insofar as they are in response to genuine change in political ideologies, bereft of selfish pursuit for variations, dictatorship, unbridled corruption in governance, lack of accountability, civil rights neglects, laws only in favor of the political class, and civil unrest.
When democracy fails to defend that mantra, “government of, by, and for the people,” we are left with no other option but an autocratic government. In order to deepen its democracy, political parties in Nigeria must be strengthened with clear ideologies, internal democracy, and enforceable rules on defections, creating an enabling environment where politicians will be held accountable for their political promises. Until then, these endless shifts in political alliances will be an empty move bereft of transparency and credibility for the Nigerian political structure.
