INTER PARTY DEFECTION AND ITS IMPACT ON DEMOCRATIC CONSOLIDATION IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

This study examined inter-party defection and its impact on democratic consolidation in Nigeria: a case study of the defection of Obaseki in 2020. In order to achieve the purpose of this study, four research questions were raised. Secondary data, including a historical content analysis offered in a review of related literature, was used to conduct the study. The study found that when politicians in Nigeria switch parties for no good reason, it undermines public trust in government, discredits the views of the opposition, and dilutes the power of voters' democratic options. If party defection in Nigeria isn't stopped, the ruling party could end up with no real checks and balances. The study was able to establish a connection between party switching and political culture, and also the development of a fresh political culture based on innovative values and virtues was observed to be important in order to fortify Nigeria's democratic governance system. And based on the findings emanating from the study it was recommended that the Nigerian citizenry cannot wait indefinitely for the country's political elites and class to retool their failed cycle. To alter Nigeria's political fortunes, the country's citizens will need to work together under a new wave of political consciousness that prioritizes transparency, openness, and responsiveness to the interests of the people. It need not be a formal political party, but it should be a significant political force that is able to frame debates and set agendas. Furthermore, Nigerian political parties were advised to urgently rethink and re-engineer their internal instruments for monitoring and managing internal conflicts. There is no doubt that virtually all ideological parties in the country have methods for internal resolutions in their constitutions, and at such should be rethought and adopted in this vein.