The Switch: When Opposition Turn Ruling Party -By longbakwa Kevin Maiyaki

In Nigeria’s dynamic political landscape, the art of switching parties is fast becoming a favourite pastime among politicians. The latest trend sees opposition lawmakers ditching their parties for the ruling party, sparking debates about political opportunism and the quest for power.

This phenomenon is no longer new, but the frequency and speed of these defection is raising eyebrows. In a dramatic turn of events, Nigerian politicians are ditching opposition parties for the ruling party; All Progressive Congress ( APC).

Party defection (“carpet crossing”) in Nigeria dates back to 1951, when NCNC members defected to Action Group (AG) in the Western Region House of Assembly to deny NCNC the majority. Similar defections occurred in subsequent republics, including Ladoke Akintola (AG to UNDP) and Akin Omoboriowo (UPN to NPN). In the Fourth Republic, party defection has become a persistent challenge to Nigerian democracy, driven by intra-party squabbles and lack of internal party democracy. This trend raises concerns about party ideology and democratic sustainability.

Some notable Nigerian politicians who have switched to the ruling APC party include Governors Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), , as well as Senators Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Benjamin Kalu (Abia), and politicians like Uba Sani (Kaduna), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), and Nyesom Wike (Rivers), among others who defected from PDP to APC in 2025.

Two days ago the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that significantly reshapes the political landscape in the North-central region. The defection was announced on Thursday by the National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, during the party’s 14th National Caucus meeting at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.

The reasons behind mass defections in Nigerian politics are deeply rooted in the nature of the country’s political culture. Politics in Nigeria is largely driven by personal ambition rather than ideology. Politicians see changing of party to ruling party as a means of winning election instead of ruling based on principles.

With the defection of politicians to the ruling party, it makes the party more stronger. With the wave of defection, there are increasing fears; the country is  sliding to a one-party state. Pundits say a one-party state is dangerous for our democracy and governance, as it undermines checks and balances, stifles healthy political competition, and can lead to authoritarian tendencies, which are unhealthy for our democracy.

The frequent party switching by Nigerian politicians highlights concerns about political opportunism and the quest for power. As the ruling party’s popularity grows, it’s attracting defectors, raising questions about opposition party strength and the ruling party’s appeal. Nigerians are watching to see if these newcomers can deliver on their promises and serve the nation’s interests.

Longbakwa Kevin Maiyaki