Professor Frank-Collins Okafor, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka has called for urgent measures to curb party defections in Nigeria, saying it helps enthron graft.
Okafor, a Professor of Political Science made the call in an interview in Awka, the Anambra State capital, on Thursday, noting the negative implications of defection.
He urged authorities involved in managing political affairs and the electoral process to promptly address the issue of political defection, describing it as a hindrance to the nation’s economic, social, and political growth.
He emphasised the need to curb this trend before it becomes a detrimental practice widely accepted in Nigerian politics.
Mr. Okafor pointed out the detrimental effects of party defection on national development, citing political instability, which arises as politicians frequently switch parties at their convenience. He stressed that such actions jeopardise the stability of the democratic system.
He lamented that defection obstructs the development of a robust political culture, as inconsistency becomes a norm among politicians and within the nation.
This constant switching of affiliations, according to Prof Okafor, leads to policy inconsistencies, where politicians align themselves with different policies based on their party alliances at any given time.
He stressed how this behaviour hampers effective legislation and governance, with politicians often supporting or opposing policies solely based on their party allegiance at the time.
The Prof noted that party defection undermines internal and national political discipline, as politicians resort to defection to escape party and national repercussions.
“Defection aids and sustains corruption in the system as politicians defect to ruling parties to evade persecution and justice. It impedes the proper development and maturity of party politics and a strong opposition in the system. This lack of a robust opposition could lead to the passage of poorly scrutinised bills and laws,” he added.
While acknowledging the nation’s political progress, Mr. Okafor urged improvements in critical sectors such as education, health, and basic amenities.
(NAN)
