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Nigeria’s Real Political Party: The Party of Defectors

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Nigeria’s Real Political Party: The Party of Defectors By George Omagbemi Sylvester

Nigeria’s Real Political Party: The Party of Defectors

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

In the ever-chaotic theater of Nigerian politics, there is one political party that has never lost a single election, one party whose membership transcends ideology, region or religion: The Decampee Party. Call it satirical, call it tragic, but it is the harsh and honest reality of Nigeria’s political ecosystem. This unofficial but most dominant party is powered not by vision or values, but by opportunism, betrayal and a deep-rooted contempt for the Nigerian electorate.

Across Nigeria’s political spectrum, party affiliation has become a farce. Politicians jump ship more often than they deliver basic amenities. The concept of loyalty to a party manifesto, ideology or principle has eroded. Instead, politicians dance to the rhythm of self-preservation, defecting whenever personal ambition or legal battles threaten their current status.

A Culture of Defection: A Brief History

Defection in Nigerian politics dates back to the First Republic, but it has become a normalized tradition in the Fourth Republic. The 1999 Constitution under Section 68(g) provides a loophole: legislators can defect if there is a division in their party. Nigerian politicians have weaponized this provision to justify shameless defections that have little to do with principle and everything to do with political survival.

In 2014, five PDP governors—Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), and Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto) defected to the APC, a defection that laid the foundation for Muhammadu Buhari’s victory in 2015. By 2018, some of them returned to PDP when the tides changed.

Who can forget the spectacle of Femi Fani-Kayode, Nigeria’s master of U-turns, who once described the APC as a “Satanic party” and President Buhari as “a curse to Nigeria,” only to later join the APC with the fanfare of a prodigal son returning to his father’s mansion?

A Game of Survival, Not Service

Political parties are supposed to be vehicles for policy direction and ideological clarity. In developed democracies, parties represent core values. The Democrats and Republicans in the U.S., the Labour and Conservative parties in the UK, each has a distinct identity. In Nigeria, however, the only ideology is power and the only constant is greed.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo once said, “There is no political party in Nigeria; they are all platforms for capturing power.” That quote, though stinging, is spot-on.

The average Nigerian politician does not defect because of a disagreement with policy or a change in personal ideology. No, They defect to escape corruption trials, reclaim lost political relevance or align with the federal might ahead of an election.

From PDP to APC and Back Again: Who’s Fooling Who?

In Nigeria, it is common to hear phrases like “I have returned to my political family.” But what family changes every four years? The PDP ruled Nigeria from 1999 to 2015 and was dubbed the “largest party in Africa.” Then came the APC, a merger of desperate opposition forces, including disgruntled PDP members. As soon as the APC took power, the PDP was declared dead. Yet, like a zombie, it came back to life as more APC members became disillusioned.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria’s current president, himself is a classic product of this decampee culture. A one-time PDP supporter in the early 2000s, Tinubu eventually became the brain behind the APC. Today, his administration is filled with recycled PDP members, proving once again that the Nigerian political class is just one extended family quarrelling over control of the national pot/cake.

Power for Power’s Sake

Nigeria’s economy has been crippled by leaders who see public office as a meal ticket. Unemployment stands at over 33%, inflation at nearly 30% and over 133 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty. Yet, politicians spend billions campaigning and cross-carpeting, while hospitals decay, universities strike and roads kill.

They defect from the party they helped destroy to join the one they once condemned, only to resume the cycle of looting and neglect. They promise “CHANGE,” then deliver “CHAINS”. They preach “RENEWED HOPE,” but all they offer is “RECYCLED FAILURE”.

The PEOPLE as COLLATERAL DAMAGE

The biggest losers in this culture of defection are the Nigerian people/masses. With no real ideological compass, the masses are dragged along in confusion. A politician elected under PDP defects to APC mid-term and expects his constituents to accept the change without question. Votes are rendered meaningless as parties are no longer platforms of choice, but mere logos to print on ballot papers.

Political campaigns have become carnivals of lies. One day, a politician is fighting corruption under the EFCC’s radar. The next day, he defects to the ruling party and all investigations mysteriously vanish.

We Must Judge Leaders, Not Labels

So many a citizen(s) with a conscience, have long abandoned party loyalty. Many allegiance is to performance, not platform. They evaluate every leader based on their stewardship. If you build roads, equip schools, secure lives and create jobs, you earn their respect, regardless of the party that sponsors your ambition.

According to Hon. Sam Iweka (BoT chairman PDP-SA) “This may sound anti-party, but it is the only logical position in a political landscape where parties mean nothing and politicians belong to all and none”.

As Nigerian author and Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka once said: “The man dies in all who keep silent in the face of tyranny.” We must stop enabling incompetence just because it wears the color of our preferred party.

Time for the Electorate to Defect Too

The tragedy is not just the defections by politicians, but the tribal, religious and party-blind loyalty of the electorate. Nigerians must begin to defect from the politics of ethnicity and emotion to the politics of accountability and metrics.

Enough of “HE IS OUR SON,” “IT’S OUR TURN,” or “NA OUR PARTY.” Ask: DID HE/SHE SERVE? DID HE/SHE DELIVER? DID HE/SHE LOOT or LEAD?

To quote Chinua Achebe, “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.” But that failure thrives because we, the people, have accepted mediocrity as destiny. We must break this spell and become citizens, not spectators.

By and Large: Rebuilding the Broken System

The cure to this sickness is institutional reform. Nigeria needs independent political parties built on ideology, backed by enforceable party constitutions and run by patriots, not godfathers. The judiciary must stop legitimizing sham defections. INEC must stop rewarding political prostitution with automatic tickets.

Above all, the Nigerian voter must rise. The real power lies not with the defector-in-chief, but with the citizen. When we begin to judge politicians by results and not slogans or party colors, then and only then, will we reclaim this republic from the hands of serial defectors.

Let it be known today: Nigeria’s biggest political party is not APC, PDP or LP, it is the Decampee Party. And unless we reform our democracy, it will remain the only party that always wins, while the people continue to lose.

Nigeria’s Real Political Party: The Party of Defectors
By George Omagbemi Sylvester

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CRG: Politicians Must Stop Witch-Hunting, Focus on Nation Building — Says NYSC Cleared Deputy Speaker Since 2023 

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CRG: Politicians Must Stop Witch-Hunting, Focus on Nation Building — Says NYSC Cleared Deputy Speaker Since 2023

By: Boye Ola 

 

The Centre for Responsible Governance (CRG) has called on political actors and interest groups to desist from what it described as needless witch-hunting of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, following renewed controversies surrounding his National Youth Service Corps records.

 

The organisation noted that the clarification by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) regarding the matter is not a recent development, as a formal verification letter had already been issued as far back as May 23, 2023.

 

 

The letter, referenced NYSC/CCD/VER/10/5.1/VOL1/02, had already addressed and cleared the questions surrounding the Deputy Speaker’s NYSC records.

Reacting to the renewed debate, the spokesman of the Centre,

 

Obande George, said it was troubling that issues which had already been clarified by a competent national institution were being resurrected for political purposes.

According to him, the time has come for political actors to move away from destructive engagements and concentrate on building the nation.

 

“It is important to note that the NYSC had already issued a verification letter dated May 23, 2023 addressing the matter.

Reopening issues that have already been clarified by a competent authority suggests that some individuals are more interested in political witch-hunting than in national progress,” George said.

 

The CRG stressed that democracy thrives when institutions are respected and their determinations are accepted in good faith rather than constantly questioned for political advantage.

George also commended the Deputy Speaker for demonstrating maturity and composure throughout the controversy, despite what he described as sustained provocations.

 

“Honourable Benjamin Kalu has shown remarkable calm and maturity in the face of intense public scrutiny and political provocation.

 

Instead of engaging in unnecessary public confrontation, he allowed institutions to speak through their records.”

 

The Centre warned that Nigeria’s political culture must evolve beyond constant character attacks and sensational allegations, which often distract public officials from their responsibilities.

 

According to the organisation, the country’s development requires constructive engagement among political actors rather than continuous attempts to discredit opponents.

 

“Nigeria cannot move forward if political energy is constantly spent on digging up allegations and amplifying rumours. Our leaders and political actors must redirect their focus to governance, policy and nation building.”

 

CRG therefore urged Nigerians to rely on verified information from credible institutions and avoid spreading speculative claims that could damage reputations or destabilise public discourse.

 

The organisation reiterated that respect for due process and institutional integrity remains essential for strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

 

@The Centre for Responsible Governance, Email: [email protected], Instagram: crgngo6, Twitter: crgng06, Threads: crgngo6

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IWD 2026: Ajadi Celebrates Women, Urges Them To Seek More Elective Positions In Future Elections

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IWD 2026: Ajadi Celebrates Women, Urges Them To Seek More Elective Positions In Future Elections

 

A Leading People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) Governorship Aspirant in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has felicitates with women in the country on the occasion of this year’s International Women’s Day.

 

The international Women’s Day is celebrated on 8 March, commemorating women’s fight for equality and liberation along with the women right’s movement. It gives focus to issues such as gender equality and reproductive rights. International Women’s Day originated from labour movements in Europe and North America during the early 20th century.

 

In a statement issued on Sunday to commemorate this year’s edition of the International Women’s Day, Ajadi said the role of the women in nation building cannot be over emphasised.

 

He recalled the role played by prominent Nigerian women like Mrs Funmilayo Ransome- Kuti, Margaret Ekpo and Wuraola Esan towards the liberalization and the growth of the country and urges women to follow their footsteps by not only participate in the political process but seek more elective positions.

 

He urges the political leaders to encourage and give more chances to women for them to contest and occupy elective positions in the country.

 

Ajadi also called for more respect for women, saying they are definitely behind whatever success recorded by the menfolk.

 

He said domestic violence against women should be stopped, saying they deserves respect for their role in moulding the future leaders.

 

According to the statement, “I celebrate and congratulate our women on this year’s occasion of International Women’s Day. We cannot underestimate the role played by our women both at home, in the social circle and in politics. They deserve more respect.

 

“I equally called on them not only to be a passive participants in politics but to determine to seek more elected positions in future elections. They should aspire more from the position of dancing and singing at campaigns to seek more elective positions. The ratio of men to women in elective positions in the country is embarrassing. Women should stand up and fight for more elective positions.

 

“I also use the occasion of this year’s Women’s Day to appeal to Nigerians to stop domestic violence against the women. If we treat our women well, our country will witness unprecedented developments”.

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International Women’s Day 2026: Adron Homes Champions Women’s Leadership and Inclusive Growth

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International Women’s Day 2026: Adron Homes Champions Women’s Leadership and Inclusive Growth

 

As the world marks International Women’s Day 2026, Adron Homes and Properties has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women with meaningful opportunities to serve, lead, and shape the future of Nigeria’s real estate landscape.

 

Observed globally on March 8, this year’s theme, “Give To Gain,” calls for intentional investment in women through access to resources, education, mentorship, and leadership platforms. The message is clear: when women are empowered, organizations prosper, communities flourish, and nations grow stronger.

 

In line with this vision, Adron Homes highlighted its people-first culture, which promotes gender inclusion at all operational levels. From executive management and regional administration to marketing leadership, client experience, and field operations, women continue to play strategic roles in driving the company’s growth and service excellence.

 

According to the company, creating pathways for women to lead is not just a policy direction but a proven strategy that fuels innovation, strengthens decision-making, and deepens stakeholder trust.

 

Adron Homes also highlighted its internal capacity-building initiatives designed to equip female professionals with the skills and confidence needed for greater responsibility. Through structured mentorship, leadership exposure, and performance-based advancement systems, the organization continues to raise a new generation of women leaders within the property sector.

 

Delivering a message to commemorate the day, the Executive Vice Chairman, Olori Aderonke Emmanuelking, emphasized the company’s enduring commitment to inclusive progress:

 

“The theme ‘Give To Gain’ speaks to a principle we strongly believe in at Adron Homes, empowering women is an investment with lasting returns. When women are supported to lead and succeed, the impact goes beyond the workplace; it transforms families, industries, and society at large. We remain committed to building systems that help women rise and thrive.”

 

The company noted that its celebration of International Women’s Day reflects a broader mission, developing not only thriving residential communities but also a workplace culture where talent is recognized without bias and leadership opportunities are accessible to all.

 

As Adron Homes continues its expansion drive, it remains steadfast in fostering an environment where women are encouraged to contribute meaningfully, lead confidently, and grow sustainably.

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