S.O.S ALIEME

The series of defections that we experience in the Nigeria of today call for deep thinking and reflection.  It has never happened in the history of this country that all politicians are running to the ruling political party. Yes, it is agreed that being human and having the constitutional right of having freedom of movement and association combined with freedom of speech, a citizen has the right to join any political party of his choice without any fear of molestation and intimidation. But the principles of multiparty democracy in Nigeria must be upheld. Nigeria, to the best of my knowledge is practising multiparty system.  A multiparty system allows for a situation where many political parties are allowed to operate and contest for positions in an election be it at the local, state or federal level.  But with the state of things, it appears that politicians cross carpets and move to the ruling party where they think they can make their presence felt and have a share in the national cake.

Politicians are political prostitutes who lack integrity in governance.  I do not want to be coerced and believed that these politicians are moving to the ruling party because they want to serve the people.  It is for their selfish reasons that they decide to cross carpet.  When there is no opposition, it means that only a handful of the existing political parties can muster opposition to the policies of the ruling party. When Bola Ahmed Tinubu was the governor of Lagos State (now the President), he warned at that time against allowing the country to drift into a one-party state. But now, it appears he enjoys the game as politicians are moving to the ruling party which he belongs.

Parties serve as the singular most important arena, avenue and medium for political participation everywhere in the world. Thus, political participation must be channelled through the parties to access power and be part of government. If Nigerian politicians understand the meaning of political party and not blinded by avarice, they would perhaps behave differently. In the light of the foregoing, three major points need to be observed against sliding towards a single party state, namely, the multi-ethnic nature of the Nigerian state, the nature of liberal democracy, and the beauty of opposition in a polity.

The reasons for cross carpeting by politicians may not be fat fetched.  One may guess that the targeted converts are simply told that they either join the ruling party or be a shareholder in the party that is set to win general elections, no matter the situation, or lose out-rightly. And the target may also be reminded that when he or she loses out, his or her ‘sins’ will not be forgiven. And as we all know, many top political office holders are prospective ‘sinners’.  Thus, the desire to be part of a clique that will determine their fate whether the votes go their way or not and the need to get forgiveness of their ‘sins’ are the motivating factors for the defection into a non-performing and divided ruling party. These are perhaps the only reasonable deductions one can make from the defections at this time. However, the defections are also the stuff with which a one-party system is made. Though, the one-party system is almost the same thing as a dictatorship or at least, it creates a breeding ground for dictatorship to thrive, there are societies where a one-party system or lack of western democracy has also allowed development to thrive.

Today, Rwanda is doing very well. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and other oil-rich Arab countries do not have democratic governments. Yet, there is genuine development and real improvement in the standard of living of the people. Even, the socio-economic transformation that has been recorded in South-East Asia took place under undemocratic regimes. However, the experience that Nigerians have had under the all ruling parties shows that things can only get worse under the control of the ruling Party. Whether the ruling party becomes the only registered party in Nigeria or the behemoth with the ability to swallow or overwhelm all the opposition parties or not, there is no indication or assurance that its performance in office will improve or it will be ready to fulfil its promises to the people in the areas of security, economy or fight against corruption.

That is why Nigerians need to be on the watch out. We must not abandon the political space and allow the ruling party to wipe off the other opposition parties. Rather, Nigerians should be ready to empower different opposition platforms and ensure that we create viable alternatives to the ruling party. We should not allow anybody to deny us the right to make choices and punish ruling political parties whose members have demonstrated incompetence and inefficiency while holding the liver of power. Any attempt to impose a one-party system or a replica of it in our polity will exacerbate the crises that daily confront us. Such a move must be resisted.

In general elections, people must be elected into office in free, fair, and credible polls based on their competence, capacity, experience, and ability to deliver on their promises.

Political ideology is rooted in sustaining the existence of a strong opposition, which analysts believe is vital for the country’s democratic balance. Loyalty to the party that brought you to power should be based on conviction and not convenience. Despite the challenges we are facing in the country in recent years, we should rather work toward reforming and strengthening it than abandon it for another political platform. Political parties often face internal disagreements, but such moments should serve as opportunities for introspection and renewal instead of division and defection. Stakeholders should be concerned over the growing trend of politicians switching parties whenever disagreements arise. This practice weakens the foundation of political institutions and undermines the values of commitment and ideology. Party members and leaders are called to show patience and dedication in addressing internal issues instead of resorting to defection as a quick fix.

Democracy thrives on diversity of opinions and competition among parties. It is worrisome that when opposition voices are silenced or absorbed into the ruling party, the essence of democracy is threatened. It must be argued that Nigeria’s political system must allow room for dissent and alternative views if true governance and accountability are to be achieved. Political actors are urged to resist the temptation of placing personal interests above collective party ideals. The strength of a democracy lies not only in winning elections but in maintaining credible opposition that provides checks and balances. The survival of Nigeria’s democratic system depends on leaders who are willing to stand by their principles, even in difficult political times. Politicians should be reminded that reform is possible only when stakeholders remain united and committed to dialogue. Politicians should be encouraged to focus on rebuilding trust, promoting internal democracy, and creating an environment where diverse opinions can coexist without fear or intimidation.

If, however, we do not succeed in saving the country, then we will be part of a collective decision that ruined the democracy while the solution should not be to join the ruling party. There must always be opposition. A democracy without opposition ceases to be democracy; it becomes dictatorship and totalitarianism.

God Bless Nigeria!!!