POLITICIANS DEFECTING TO RULING PARTY AFRAID OF 2027 ELECTIONS - PROF. ONUOHA

POLITICIANS DEFECTING TO RULING PARTY AFRAID OF 2027 ELECTIONS - PROF. ONUOHA

By Bashir ADAMU, Jalingo.

Nsukka, Enugu State - Prominent political scientists at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) have alleged that politicians defecting to the ruling party are motivated by fear of losing in the 2027 general elections.

Prof. Jonah Onuoha, a Director of the Centre for American Studies at UNN, stated that the defections are driven by personal interests and a lack of political ideology, with politicians seeking protection from anti-graft agencies and a platform to win elections.

"The defections are anchored on survival strategy as politicians believe that being with the ruling party, their interests are protected and their sins are forgiven," Onuoha added.

Onuoha also expressed concern, noting that the defections may weaken the People's Democratic Party (PDP), the main opposition party in Nigeria, and affect their chances of winning the 2027 elections.

Similarly,  Dr. Chinedu Ejezie, a Senior Lecturer at UNN, questioned the justification for defections, citing examples of governors in opposition parties who are doing well without defecting to the ruling party.

"The gale of defections are uncalled for as a governor doesn't need to be in the ruling political party to achieve good governance or win election," Ejezie said.

Ejezie listed Gov. Alex Otti of Abia State, Gov. Charles Soludo of Anambra State, and Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State as examples of governors in opposition parties who are performing well.

The defections have sparked concerns about the country's drift towards a one-party system, which is considered unhealthy for democracy in the Country.