Political Defections in Nigeria: Undermining Democratic Stability

• Author(s): Fapetu Oluwadamilola Victor ; Olateru-Olagbegi Olaleke
• Paper ID: 1710465
• Page: 215-220
• Published Date: 04-09-2025
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 9 Issue 3 September-2025

Abstract

Political defections, or cross-carpeting, have emerged as a persistent challenge to Nigeria’s democratic consolidation, with incidents surging from 15 in 2019 to 180 by September 01, 2025. This study investigates the underlying causes, legal frameworks, and democratic repercussions of party switching in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. Utilizing a mixed-methodsapproach—integrating documentary analysis of constitutional texts and judicial rulings, quantitative tracking of defection events, and interviews with 60 political stakeholders—the research reveals that defections stem primarily from personal ambition, patronage, and weak internal party governance. Judicial loopholes and ineffective enforcement have exacerbated the issue, eroding party cohesion and voter confidence. The paper proposes urgent reforms, including robust anti-defection laws, enhanced party democracy, and civic education, to protect Nigeria’s democratic integrity.

Keywords

Political defection, cross-carpeting, Nigerian democracy, anti-defection law, party institutionalization

Citations

IRE Journals:
Fapetu Oluwadamilola Victor , Olateru-Olagbegi Olaleke "Political Defections in Nigeria: Undermining Democratic Stability" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 3 2025 Page 215-220

IEEE:
Fapetu Oluwadamilola Victor , Olateru-Olagbegi Olaleke "Political Defections in Nigeria: Undermining Democratic Stability" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(3)