ABSURDITY OF POLITICAL CROSS-CARPETING: A THREAT TO NIGERIA’S DEMOCRACY

Advertisement

By Otunba Shola Senbanjo

In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, the concept of patriotism has evolved. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, it is often entangled with religious conflicts and political divisions. Many confuse nationalism with narrow and divisive ideologies, losing sight of its true essence. True patriotism—love for one’s country—goes beyond waving flags or echoing partisan slogans. It is a deeper commitment to the well-being and progress of the nation and its people.

Regrettably, many political officeholders in Nigeria have lost sight of this commitment. Rather than uphold the mandate given to them by the people under a particular political platform, they now prefer to cross-carpet to other parties—often for personal or opportunistic reasons—betraying the very protocol and principles under which they were elected.

Nigerian politics has become a significant threat to the consolidation of democracy. This threat is exacerbated by the proliferation of political parties lacking ideology or philosophical grounding—formed merely as vehicles for attaining political and economic power.

The delayed adjudication of defection-related cases, often due to the overburdened judicial system, further weakens democratic institutions. The technical disposition of judicial authorities in handling these matters often creates the perception of justice being cloaked in complexity rather than delivered with clarity.

Advertisement

Worse still, while executive officeholders continue to defect freely without consequence, elected legislators are bound by constitutional stipulations that may lead to loss of their seats unless they can justify their defection. Even then, the power to determine the fate of defectors often rests arbitrarily in the hands of principal officers within the legislative houses—raising questions about fairness, legality, and democratic representation.

This political menace persists in Nigeria’s fragile democracy, enabled by inadequate legal provisions and a lack of effective redress mechanisms. Through a conceptual analysis, it is clear that elected executives often betray the mandate of their voters with impunity, while parliamentary decisions on defection are wielded more as political weapons than tools of justice.

Nigeria’s current anti-defection laws are inadequate for the nation’s evolving political landscape. There is an urgent need for comprehensive legal reform, especially constitutional amendments that remove the arbitrary power of principal officers to unilaterally declare legislative seats vacant due to defection. Such reforms are necessary to foster socio-political order and democratic maturity.

I therefore call on all political officeholders to serve with integrity and true patriotism.

Patriotism, in its truest form, is an active commitment to the nation’s well-being. It is rooted in love, respect, and responsibility towards every citizen. It transcends ethnic, religious, or political divides and embraces unity, accountability, and justice.

Let us remember that we are called to serve the nation—not ourselves.

B.O.S