These politicians just want to serve themselves and they do not adhere to any party’s ideology.
It is galling when our political leaders switch their parties during election time out of avarice to get tickets at the cost of political values and ethics. The vast majority of self-centred politicians have become skilled at defecting towards greener pastures when they sense that their party is losing support from the people and has no future. It is not only unfortunate but also dangerous to democracy, and it shows nobody is interested in the development of the society or nation. These politicians just want to serve themselves and they do not adhere to any party’s ideology. What is more worrisome is that they have mastered the art of manipulating their voter base by analysing the demographics of their constituencies and have also become experts in buying votes. If left unchecked, it has the potential to erode the fundamental tenets of our democracy and its foundation. Despite having a great rule of ethics in the form of our Constitution, politicians are somewhat unethical these days.
The most plausible reasons behind switching parties are the absence of value-based politics, lust for money and power, nexus between money and muscle and reward of office, money through misuse of ministerial position and business, internal politics within the party, etc. Many leaders lack moral principles and only care about staying in power and increasing their wealth. Also, sometimes it could be due to the fear of political raids by EFCC and other law enforcement agencies.
Thanks to Adams Oshiomhole “ you join APC all your sins are forgiven “
But principled politicians never leave their party even when it is not in power. They always work for the party and build the party. Nigerian politics has a long history of defections and floor-crossing
While switching parties, politicians give tried and tested statements to convince voters, such as “It is impossible to stay in a party when there is an atmosphere of lies and suffocation”. And that the decision to defect was for the betterment of his people. The quality of Nigerian politicians has declined, as evident from the leader who defected and said “When I asked God, he told me to join the “APC” These reasons are mostly driven by convenience, not by ideology or principles.
There should be anti-defection law . Nigerian law makers should enact such law .
The law should be very clear; there should be no ambiguity in the minds of those trying to play around with it. It should be straightforward and state that anyone elected under a certain party’s symbol is obligated to follow its directions, failing which their membership in that party must automatically end and they should be barred from contesting any public elections for at least 4 years. That will put a stop to all defections and the buying and selling of elected members which over the past few years has turned into the rule rather than the exception.
Coalitions should be allowed before or after elections, but not mergers. Coalition members shouldn’t be permitted to adopt contrasting or self-serving positions; instead, they should function as a single, cohesive unit. They must also maintain their own identities.
Alex Okunbor
( Editor Daily News & Analysis Of Nigeria )
Www.dna-ng.com