John Odigie-Oyegun, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has raised the alarm over the rising trend of defections, resignations and party hopping among political leaders, describing the development as a reflection of deeper problems in the country’s political system.
The former governor said this while speaking in Benin, Edo State, on Sunday. The frequent movement of politicians from one party to another after disagreements raises questions on the commitment of the country’s political class to national development and the welfare of citizens, he said.
The increasing rate of political leaders defecting from their parties points to the fact that the nation’s democratic structure is yet to address the fundamental issues, Odigie-Oyegun noted.
In his view, the attitude of several politicians does not seem to be driven by a sincere desire to tackle the problems facing Nigerians, such as economic hardship and insecurity.
He argued that if political actors were genuinely concerned about rescuing the country and improving the lives of citizens, much of the political realignment currently unfolding ahead of the 2027 general elections would not be taking place.
The ADC stalwart said the political class seemed disconnected from realities on ground facing the ordinary Nigerians, adding that its actions often failed to demonstrate a sincere commitment to national progress.
“If political leaders were really inspired by the desire to save the country, many of the things we are witnessing as the build-up to the 2027 elections would not have happened,” he said.
He insisted that efforts should be focused on solving urgent national problems, not on political maneuvers that did little to improve the people’s lives.
Odigie-Oyegun also called on opposition figures across the country to consider their reasons and to decide whether what they are doing is really to help Nigerians who are suffering.
He stressed the need for opposition leaders to stay on course to providing solutions to the country’s challenges instead of narrow political ambitions.
Notwithstanding his concerns, the former governor expressed confidence in the prospects for the opposition, adding that the creation of a level playing field and strong institutions could create the conditions necessary for a change in political leadership.
If the electoral process and state institutions are fair and transparent, the opposition can even defeat the ruling party,” he said.
