In the 24 years since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, a striking 23 incumbent governors from 18 states have embarked on political defections, leaving the parties under which they were initially elected.
Investigations reveal that Sokoto, Imo, and Abia states witnessed a higher frequency of such defections, with Sokoto experiencing three instances, and Abia and Imo each facing two.
Surprisingly, during President Buhari’s administration, the highest number of sitting governors abandoned their original political parties. These shifts occurred within the context of 10 political parties, with the 1999 Constitution outlining avenues for governor removal that exclude defection.
The Northwest zone saw the highest defection rate, with eight incumbent governors switching parties, while the Southeast ranks second with five defections. Notably, Sokoto State tops the list, with the highest number of serving governors defecting to other parties.
Legal professionals express disapproval of this trend, arguing that it raises ethical concerns and exploits the trust of the Nigerian people. The 1999 Constitution specifically disapproves of lawmakers defecting within the National Assembly, but the consequences remain elusive, calling for stronger enforcement.
