Opinion
Defections, Coalitions, and the Erosion of Democratic Ideals in Nigeria
There is no gain saying that democracy is still the best form of government devised by man. With all its flaws and imperfections, a representative form of government where the people get to choose who rule over them and are at the liberty to decide whether a regime stays or not would always be the perfect choice for the sustenance of freedom, equity and social justice.
Nigeria’s democratic experience, however, is one conundrum that classical and modern theorists of democracy never envisaged. When Robert Dahl, in his work Polyarchy: Participation and Opposition, opined that a modern representative democracy should be characterised by inclusive participation and competition where free and fair elections, freedom of expression and associational autonomy are guaranteed giving rise to a system that allows broad participation and meaningful competition, I’m sure he wasn’t referring to what is presently playing out in the Nigerian political space. A fiasco that should only be referred to as a comedy of errors, Awada kęrikęri in local yoruba parlance. And i say this with all sense of seriousness.
To begin with, i ask this fundamental question. What is a political party, and what is it actually meant for? Since this is a monologue, I’m compelled to answer the question myself. Maurice Duverger, a French political scientist in his work “Political Parties: Their Organisation and Activities in Modern States”, defined a political party as a group of people that is organised to gain political power, and influence government policies based on a shared ideology or a set of principles. The key elements to underline in this definition are: a political party is organised to gain political power; and should be based on a shared ideology.
The above raises further questions, and I’m prompted to ask what particular ideology permeates Nigeria’s political parties of this dispensation? The AG/UPN, NPC/NPN, NCNC/NPP of the first and second Republic had clear ideologies that represented the political interests of Nigeria’s political actors during those periods and therefore, party hopping, in the name of defections was not a trend.
Between January and July 2025 alone, well over ten key politicians have defected from one political party to another, mostly PDP to the APC. From a PDP that once held the reigns of power and ruled this country for 16 years, which one politician even said would continue ruling for the next 60 years, to the APC that is currently in power, and I’m sure nursing the same longevity ambition of late Chief Vincent Ogbulafo.
It is said that politics is a game of interest, no permanent friends, and no permanent enemies. But I ask yet again, is this interest self-motivated or geared towards public good, as politics itself is meant to authoritatively allocate scarce values for the benefit of people. If this noble cause alone motivated the founding fathers of PDP to form the party and had driven their policies all these years, I’m sure the party would not have disintegrated so much so that the centre could no longer hold as it was in Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart”.
Accusations and counter accusations of treachery, betrayal, and violations of agreements in the wake of the PDP presidential primaries of 2022 further worsen the already brewing tensions in the party following their loss to the APC in 2015 and their inability to regain power in 2019. And this, of course, has orchestrated the massive movement of major actors out of the party, some to the APC where it seemed rosy at the moment, others to form COALITIONS.
The Labour Party has had its own fair share of internal leadership tussle as well, with the party broken down to different factions under different party Chairmen. It was, therefore, no surprise that the main iconic figure of the party and its presidential flag bearer in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, decided to join seemingly strange bedfellows in the Coalition A group that already included the former Vice President and PDP Big Wig, Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, Nasir El-Rufai, Rauf Aregbesola and a host of others.
What is particularly puzzling about this union is that just few months ago, some of these key figures were staunch critics and antagonists of one another, but today, mutual interest has brought them together, or should I say the shared desire to re capture power that they once had and lost at one time or the other.
Thus, the conduct of politics is once again reduced to state capture and its adjoining paraphernalia of power and not necessarily for the public good.
When the ADC was adopted as the platform for the coalition and the newly appointed interim national chairman, David Mark spoke at the unveiling, he said that the coalition move was aimed at rescuing the country from a drift to authoritarianism, abject poverty, persistent insecurity and creeping civilian dictatorship. These indeed were very honourable objectives if they had come from a more justified source, that is. But since these were the same people that actually put us in the mess we are today, but are now pretending like the mess just began yesterday, i beg to differ.
Under this same David Mark’s watch as Senate President, there were allegations of financial misappropriation at the Senate, one being the payment of #2 billion into the Senate account for distribution to the senators as largesse. A case that warranted his summon by the EFCC. In the area of insecurity, this same period (2007-2015)witnessed the most intense state of insecurity in the country where Boko Haram practically claimed and took over territories in some parts of Borno State. Not forgetting the Chibok girls’ abduction in April 2014. This was equally the period when the other coalition members were also in government except for Atiku Abubakar, whose reputation is well known, though he left government earlier on, but had made several unsuccessful efforts to return.
So, truth be told, I don’t see any change this coalition is capable of bringing. Instead, i see a group of people who were once in power, lost that power, and desperately wanted it back. What is the moral Justification for an El-Rufai who was very instrumental in this present government’s rise to power to claim, he now seeks change when we all know that that desire only arose from a personal vendetta resulting from his alienation from the current scheme of things. A business gone wrong. Or an Amaechi who was a key player in President Buhari’s administration under the APC and only fell out when he failed to secure the party’s presidential ticket and couldn’t mend fences with President Tinubu. Or Aregbesola, for that matter. Arguably, the most loyal henchman of Tinubu who had been down with him since day one before ‘Trailer pass their middle’. So, in my candid opinion, the ADC will do well to spare us the BS and concentrate more on how they intend to wrestle power from the APC. And from my candid opinion again, the only thing i can say to that is ‘Dey Play’.
A President Tinubu who defied all odds to rise to power under circumstances that should be specially researched. Riding on the emi lo kan mantra, he secured victory, whether contestable or not, against the resistance, opposition, and machinations of the powers that be, both within and outside of his party. And he achieved these without wielding any executive power.
This is the kind of person one coalition wants to unseat now that he possesses all executive powers of the presidency and its adjoining paraphernalia of office. Permit me to say once again, ‘Dey Play’.
Sincerely, i would be surprised if this coalition survives beyond this year talk less of 2027, more so, when there is still a serious contention as to who picks up their presidential ticket. Also, from all indications, their foundation is defective. And no structure built on a defective foundation can stand. It’s only a matter of time.
Be that as it may, I believe in this country and in the potential of it’s Democratic experience. An experience that has been sustained for twenty-six years uninterrupted. Yes, the dividends of democracy are yet to be enjoyed by the common man. Yes, we are still miles away from the developed Western democracies. Building the road to that proverbial El dorado of true democracy is not a function of government alone. Everyone has a part to play. It’s highly hypocritical, if not unrealistic, to behave irresponsibly and dishonestly in our own little sphere of influence or wherever position of power we find ourselves, yet expect government to behave otherwise. Building true democracies requires the collective effort of all elements in society. Yes, the government may take the lead, but it also involves the civil society, media, private sector, business owners, and the entire citizenry. Each and every one has a role to play in fostering transparency, accountability, and inclusive participation. Democratic institutions in this country will only thrive when there is mutual trust, respect for the rule of law, and active civic engagement. Finally, enduring democracy demands a united commitment to shared values that uphold human dignity, freedom, fundamental human rights, equality, and social justice.
Olusegun Hassan, Ph.D
Public Policy Analyst and Social Commentator writes from Ibadan.
Growing support has continued to trail a youthful politician and technology advocate, Hon. Khalil Mustapha Adegboyega, popularly known as Repete, as many youths in Ibadan North Federal Constituency expressed confidence in his leadership style and vision for development.
Across several communities within the constituency, residents, particularly students, artisans and young professionals, described Repete as one of the emerging political figures with strong grassroots appeal and a passion for youth empowerment.
Supporters said his growing popularity stems from his consistent advocacy for innovation, entrepreneurship and skills development aimed at addressing unemployment and creating opportunities for young people.
As an engineer and technology enthusiast, Repete is also said to possess a deep understanding of the evolving digital economy and the need to position youths for global competitiveness.
Many of his supporters noted that his approach to leadership focuses on practical solutions, mentorship and capacity-building initiatives capable of helping young people become self-reliant and economically productive.
Some community stakeholders who spoke on his rising profile said his humility, accessibility and relationship with the grassroots have continued to endear him to many residents within the constituency.
They added that Repete’s engagement with youths and community groups reflects his commitment to inclusive governance and people-oriented representation.
Observers within the constituency also maintained that the increasing support for the politician reflects a growing desire among residents for a new generation of leaders driven by innovation, competence and accountability.
According to them, many young people see Repete as a symbol of hope and progressive leadership capable of contributing meaningfully to the development of Ibadan North Federal Constituency.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State stands on the edge of a consequential decision—one that may define not only its fortunes in Ibadan North Federal Constituency but also its broader political relevance in the state.
As the countdown to the party primaries intensifies, the question before APC leaders is no longer routine. It is strategic. It is urgent. And it is decisive: will the party align with the clear preference of the people or risk repeating costly political miscalculations?
At the centre of this debate is Hon. Khalil Mustapha Adegboyega, widely known as Repete—a name that has, over time, evolved from a political identity into a grassroots phenomenon.
A Candidate Rooted in the People
In contemporary Nigerian politics, where voter awareness is rising and expectations are shifting, candidates are increasingly judged not by promises but by presence. On this scale, Adegboyega stands tall.
His political journey is marked by consistent engagement with constituents—far beyond the optics of election seasons. From youth empowerment initiatives that provide practical skills and startup support, to sustained interventions in healthcare access for the elderly and indigent, his footprint across Ibadan North reflects a model of leadership anchored on service.
Unlike the transactional approach that often defines political relationships, Adegboyega’s connection with the people appears organic—built on trust, accessibility, and continuity. These are not mere campaign attributes; they are political assets.
The Danger of Political Disconnect
History offers the APC a clear lesson: parties that ignore grassroots sentiment often pay a heavy electoral price. The imposition of candidates perceived as distant or untested has, in several instances, resulted in voter apathy, internal dissent, and eventual defeat at the polls.
Ibadan North presents no exception.
With opposition parties closely monitoring the APC’s internal dynamics, any misstep in candidate selection could provide a ready opening. A divided house, coupled with a candidate lacking widespread acceptance, is a formula the opposition is well-positioned to exploit.
The implication is straightforward: this is not merely about party loyalty; it is about electoral viability.
Echoes from the Grassroots
Across the length and breadth of Ibadan North—markets, motor parks, religious centres, and community gatherings—a consistent pattern emerges in political conversations. The name “Repete” resonates with familiarity and acceptance.
Such organic support is not easily manufactured. It is cultivated over time through visible impact and sustained presence. For a party seeking electoral certainty in a competitive environment, this level of grassroots validation is not just desirable—it is critical.
A Test of Leadership and Judgment
For the APC leadership in Oyo State, the moment calls for clarity of purpose. Decisions driven by narrow interests, personal alignments, or short-term calculations may carry long-term consequences.
The task, therefore, is to balance internal considerations with external realities. Elections are ultimately decided by voters, not by party caucuses. A candidate who commands public confidence offers the strongest pathway to victory.
The Stakes Are Clear
Ibadan North is too strategic a constituency for experimentation. The cost of error is not limited to a single seat; it extends to party cohesion, credibility, and future positioning within the state’s political landscape.
In this context, the argument for Adegboyega is less about sentiment and more about strategy. His visibility, acceptability, and record of engagement place him in a strong position to consolidate support and mobilise voters effectively.
Conclusion: A Choice with Consequences
As the APC moves closer to its primaries, the decision before it is both simple and significant: align with a candidate who reflects the mood of the electorate or risk conceding advantage to a watchful opposition.
In politics, moments such as this often separate foresight from hindsight.
For APC in Ibadan North, this may well be one of those defining moments.
Aderibigbe Akanbi, a political analyst, writes from Ibadan.
As the road to 2027 gradually unfolds across Oyo State, political conversations are shifting from routine permutations to deeper questions about competence, generational leadership, and measurable impact. In Ibarapa East, that conversation has found a new voice in Yusuf Abiodun Ramon — a Lanlate-born technocrat whose entry into the race for the State House of Assembly is redefining what representation could mean for the constituency.
In a political environment often dominated by familiar faces and conventional calculations, Ramon presents a profile shaped by technical discipline, structured thinking, and solution-driven engagement. His professional background, anchored in analytical precision and systems management, forms the foundation of his public service aspiration.
For him, representation must move beyond ceremonial presence to practical responsiveness — laws that reflect local realities, oversight that protects public resources, and advocacy that translates into visible development.
Ramon argues that the future of Ibarapa East lies in leadership that listens deliberately, plans strategically, and delivers measurably. He speaks of strengthening rural infrastructure, expanding youth-driven economic opportunities, and institutionalising transparency as core pillars of his agenda. In his view, governance must not merely be symbolic; it must be structured, accountable, and people-centred.
Rooted in Ile Odede, Isale Alubata Compound, Ward Seven of Ibarapa East Local Government, and maternally linked to Ile Sobaloju, Isale Ajidun Compound, Eruwa, Ramon’s story is not one of distant ambition but of lived experience. He is, in every sense, a son of the soil — shaped by the same roads, schools, and economic realities that define daily life in Ibarapa East.
“I was born here. I grew up here. I understand our struggles, our strengths, and our untapped potential,” he says. “Representation must go beyond occupying a seat; it must translate into preparation, competence, and genuine commitment to development.”
His academic journey mirrors that philosophy of steady growth. He began at Islamic Primary School, Lanlate (1995–2001), proceeded to Baptist Grammar School, Orita Eruwa (2001–2007), and later earned a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, between 2009 and 2011. Refusing to plateau, he advanced his intellectual horizon and is now completing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at the University of Lagos. “Education,” he reflects, “is continuous capacity building. Leadership today requires both technical knowledge and administrative insight.”
That blend of engineering precision and managerial training has defined a professional career spanning more than a decade. Shortly after his diploma, Yusuf joined Mikano International Limited as a generator installer, gaining hands-on experience in industrial power systems — a sector central to Nigeria’s infrastructural backbone. He later transitioned into telecommunications at Safari Telecoms Nigeria Limited, where he received specialized training in Industrial, Scientific, and Medical radio bands, strengthening his expertise in network operations.
In 2013, he became a Field Support Engineer at Netrux Global Concepts Ltd., then a leading ISM service provider in Nigeria. Over four formative years, he immersed himself in telecom infrastructure deployment and maintenance, mastering field coordination, logistics management, and real-time technical problem-solving.
Since July 2017, he has served as a Field Support Engineer with Specific Tools and Techniques Ltd., a power solutions firm providing services to major operators including MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria. In that capacity, he operates at the frontline of ensuring energy reliability and network uptime — responsibilities that demand discipline, accountability, and systems thinking.
For political observers in Ibarapa East, this trajectory matters. It reflects more than résumé credentials; it speaks to a mindset anchored in efficiency, coordination, and measurable outcomes — qualities increasingly demanded in legislative representation.
Beyond the private sector, Ramon’s political exposure is neither sudden nor superficial. A loyal member of the progressive political family in Lagos, he once served as a personal assistant to a former lawmaker, gaining practical insight into legislative procedure and constituency engagement. Within his community, he has quietly extended financial support to small-scale entrepreneurs and students — modest but consistent interventions rooted in personal responsibility.
“My interest is my people,” he states firmly. “Ibarapa East deserves strategic, responsive, and capable leadership at the State Assembly. We must move from rhetoric to results.”
Across the constituency — from Lanlate to Eruwa — development priorities remain clear: youth employment, vocational empowerment, rural road rehabilitation, stable power supply, agricultural value-chain expansion, improved educational standards, and stronger lawmaking that directly reflects community needs.
Political analysts argue that Ramon’s technocratic background positions him uniquely at the intersection of policy formulation and practical implementation. At a time when national discourse increasingly favours competence over grandstanding, his profile resonates with a broader generational shift toward performance-driven governance. His engineering discipline reinforces problem-solving; his business training strengthens administrative understanding; his grassroots roots anchor his empathy.
For Ibarapa East, the 2027 election cycle may represent more than a routine democratic exercise. It may mark a recalibration of expectations — a demand for representation that understands both the soil beneath its feet and the systems that drive modern development. As political alignments gradually crystallize in Oyo State, Yusuf Abiodun Ramon’s declaration signals the arrival of a candidate seeking to translate private-sector structure into public-sector impact.
One thing is clear: the conversation about the future of Ibarapa East has begun — and it is now framed around competence, credibility, and capacity.
Oluwasegun Idowu sent in this piece from Eruwa, Ibarapa East LG, Oyo State
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