Political Party Defection and Democratic Stability in Nigeria (2015-2021)
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the study
The objectives of this study are;
- To find out the factors responsible for party defections in Nigeria
- To find out the implications of party defections on Nigeria’s democracy
- To find out whether party defection is the causes of democracy instability in Nigeria
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
INTRODUCTION
Our focus in this chapter is to critically examine relevant literature that would assist in explaining the research problem and furthermore recognize the efforts of scholars who had previously contributed immensely to similar research. The chapter intends to deepen the understanding of the study and close the perceived gaps.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Party Defection
In politics, a defector is a person who gives up allegiance to one state in exchange for allegiance to another, in a way which is viewed illegitimate by the first state. More broadly, it includes forsaking a person, cause or doctrine to which one is bound by some tie, as of allegiance or duty. This term is also applied, often pejoratively, to anyone who switches loyalty to another religion, sports team, political party, or other rival faction. In that sense, the defector is often considered a traitor by their original side. In domestic politics, a defector is a person who gives up allegiance to one state or political entity in exchange for allegiance to another. The term is sometimes used as a synonym for traitor, especially if the defector brings with him secrets or confidential information. More broadly, it involves abandoning a person, cause or doctrine to whom or to which one is bound by some tie, as of allegiance or duty. It is also the state of having rejected one’s political beliefs or your political party or a cause and often in favor of opposing political beliefs or causes. The term political party defection is also used to refer to the departure of a member from a political party to join another political party, typically because of discontent in his existing party. Depending on position of the person, it may be given a different name, such as party switching or crossing the floor. One famous political “defector” was Winston Churchill, who first entered Parliament as a Conservative in 1901, defected to the Liberals in 1904, and defected back to the Conservatives in 1925 (Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, 2014). Political party defectors are usually regarded as political prostitutes without political principle, morality, conscience and lacking in political ideology to champion the cause of leadership for the well being of the society and political development of the country. Malthora, (2005), Aziken, (2009) Mba (2011) and Aleyomi (2013) adduce reason(s) for cross carpeting or defection of politicians, saying the trend result from personality clash, power tussles, divergent views on the operations of a political party’s philosophy, crisis or division within a given political party, disagreement on party’s position on an issue, realization of one’s personal political ambition and party leaders reneging on agreed issues of the political party probably on power sharing formula.
Chapter Three
Research methodology
Research Design
The research design adopted in this research work is the survey research design which involves the usage of self-designed questionnaire in the collection of data. Under the survey research design, primary data of this study will be collected from two political parties in Oyo state APC and PDP in order to determine the political party defection and democratic stability in Nigeria from 2015 to 2019. The design was chosen because it enables the researcher to collect data without manipulation of any variables of interest in the study. The design also provides opportunity for equal chance of participation in the study for respondents.
Population of Study
The population of study is the census of all items or a subject that possess the characteristics or that have the knowledge of the phenomenon that is being studied (Asiaka, 1991). It also means the aggregate people from which the sample is to be drawn.
Population is sometimes referred to as the universe. The population of this research study will be Seventy-five (75) members of APC and PDP parties in Oyo state
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
This chapter is about the analysis and presentation of data collected from the field through questionnaire. The analysis of the data with particular question immediately followed by the presentation of findings.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain political party defection and democratic stability in Nigeria 2015 to 2021. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of political party defection and democratic stability in Nigeria
Summary
This study was on political party defection and democratic stability in Nigeria 2015 to 2021. Three objectives were raised which included: To find out the factors responsible for party defections in Nigeria, to find out the implications of party defections on Nigeria’s democracy and to find out whether party defection is the causes of democracy instability in Nigeria. The total population for the study is 75 members of APC and PDP in Oyo state. The researcher used questionnaires as the instrument for the data collection. Descriptive Survey research design was adopted for this study. The data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using simple percentages and frequencies
Conclusion
The politics of defection and its implications on Nigeria’s democracy. From the analysis, it could be stated party defection arising from internal party conflict remained a serious challenge to Nigeria’s democracy. Party defection and ideological confusion in the present republic constitute a major problem to democratic stability. Politicians defect from one party to another not on the basis of ideological disagreement, but on selfish interest. Mbah (2011) submitted that party defection has serious negative impact on democratic stability and consolidation. The trend of baseless defections among Nigerian politicians makes mockery of Nigerian democracy, negates the values of opposition parties in democratic system, invalidate opposing views and reduce the efficacy of alterative democratic choices. Party defection if not checked, could move Nigeria into a system without viable opposition to serve as watchdog to the ruling party. Momoh (2010) linked party defection to political culture and suggest the emergence of new political culture to build on new values and virtues, to reinforce the democratic practice in Nigeria. It is also worthy to note that the nature and character of political parties can frustrate members seeking to defect. Democracy is built on ideologically sustained political parties and the extent to which this is derailed can exert negative influence on democratic stability and consolidation. However, this paper acknowledges the critical role of civil society groups, non-governmental organizations and pro-democracy groups in reversing this “democratic confusion
Recommendation
The study recommended the strengthening and amendment of the constitution and electoral laws to regulate the alarming rate of defection of politicians in Nigeria. Strengthening and sustaining Nigeria’s democracy requires a social reorientation, consistent political education and mobilization based on democratic culture directed towards inculcation of new values in the political system.
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