Repost. Originally posted Sept 18, 2018

On Sept 9, 2018, the Guardian newspaper reported that the former chairman of APC in Bayelsa State Mr Tiwei Orunimighe, along with roughly 5,000 other party members, including a sitting state representatives and 98 other party officials had defected to the opposition PDP (Peoples’ Democratic Party). Being the chairman and thus a leader in the party begs the question- why was he in APC in the first place, what was his ideology and level of commitment that made him rise to leadership position and what actually prompted the sudden departure to an opposing party?

This latest stunt is a string of defections that has been occurring with regularity within political parties in Nigeria. Where a politician, supposedly elected for his political stance and affiliation, suddenly abandons that party and what it “supposedly” stands for in favor of another group, with little regard for policy or governance ideology or commitment to the bias of his constituents.

Drawing parallels on party affiliation from around the world, one can take a look at the reasons people choose to align themselves with political groups.

First will be similarities in ideology – knowing what a party stands for is usually the main reason most other people chose to affiliate themselves with a political group, because of the belief that their policies and interests align with your own, and laws will be passed to protect the issues you hold dear, from social issues (liberal, conservative or somewhere in-between) to support for different economic and growth models.

 Second is legacy, following in a parent’s footsteps or family tradition. Ideologies may not always align in this case, but there is loyalty because of the history between the political group and the family involved and what they have benefited from being in that group.

A third way is through peer affiliation, this could be from school, church or social clubs that support a particular political group above the others and one sees their political ambition easier or better suited for where they already have a following.

All of these affiliations make sense, the bond to one’s chosen group is usually strong, purposeful and carries the weight of personal conviction and strength of character. Memberships based on these ties would likely last a lifetime, so long as there are no radical changes in the ideals of the political party as a whole.

In Nigeria, this is not the case as we tend to see political office as the main way to make a living. It is the golden opportunity that anyone has to get their hands on Public funds and get a piece of the national cake. Here, party affiliation has nothing to do with ideology, creed, economic policy stance or family ties. It has everything to do with how much of a chance one has to “win” with this party.

The parties themselves do not really state what they stand for in terms of social and economic policies with specifics, and the members are only there because it happens to be the popular party in the region at that time. A politician who campaigned and won an election on the platform and ideals of one party, feels no hesitation to pack up and join up with the opposition at the slightest thought that others in the party seem to be gaining more popularity than him/her in the current one.

Even so-called party leaders will switch sides with zero accountability in the process, essentially making themselves winners, regardless of what party the electorate is voting for, after all, they are made up of the exact same people.

This lack of shame and accountability has led to more lawlessness in the handling of federal, state and local affairs, where half the time, the populace is unaware of what party their elected officials even belong to, much less what they stand for. Unfortunately, the tolerance and acceptance of this behavior allows for it to continue unchecked.

An educated electorate demands more from the people they entrust the running of their government to, demanding a higher level of competence and steadfastness to bring about sustained growth in the economy. Unfortunately, in a country with low democratic literacy whose citizens are distracted by the constant search for resources to meet their basic physiological needs, the conduct “or misconduct” of political leaders is a runaway train.

It is ironically considered an irrelevant discourse, as the people just desire to live another day, be it in misery or penury, unbothered by the very action that could result in an improved society from which all would benefit.

Photo credit: The Guardian Newspaper