The Politics of Defection and Power Game in Nigeria: Insights from the 7th Lower Legislative Chamber

Abstract

Does Nigeria have the culture of party politics? Do Nigerian politicians possess the quality of true patriots seeking for the good of the nation? These and many other questions beg for answers in view of the recent gale of defection across the political parties in Nigeria. This development draws attention to the intention of the defectors. The objective of the paper is to explain the politics and rationale behind defection of some law makers at the lower legislative chamber and its implication on democratic consolidation. The paper relies on secondary data with a functional theory to allow relevant data be put to contextual analyses. In analysing the data, descriptive analysis was used. The paper noted that the surge for party switching in Nigeria is becoming rather disturbing and could undermine the country’s efforts at deepening her democracy, if strict sanctions are not taken against the defectors. The obvious in their behaviour was the craving for economic/political gains and power in subsequent elections. The paper concluded that the last paragraph of section 68(1) (g) of the 1999 constitution has been an alibi that unduly prompted lawmakers to unruly defect, and this in turn caused unhealthy rivalry among lawmakers at the lower legislative house and further distorts democratic consolidation in Nigeria.

Keywords: Defection, Legislative Chamber, Politics, Party, Power.