By: Sir. Abdallah,
amam60in60@gmail.com
In recent times, Kaduna State has witnessed a wave of massive defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This sudden political realignment has generated intense debate and curiosity among citizens and observers alike. What seems to be a mere shift in political allegiance is, in reality, a reflection of deeper issues within Nigeria’s democratic system, particularly the weakening of opposition strength and the growing dominance of a single party in the state and Nigeria.
The defection of elected opposition members to the APC has raised several critical questions about the future of democracy and political ideology in Kaduna State and Nigeria. Many of these politicians, elected under opposition platforms, are reportedly “selling” their 2027 tickets to the ruling party even before the election season begins. This act has been interpreted by many as a move driven not by ideology or public service, but by personal ambition, political survival, and access to power.
It appears we are gradually drifting toward a one-party system, where the ruling party absorbs almost all political strength, leaving the electorate with little or no meaningful alternative. Democracy thrives on diversity of ideas, yet the continuous weakening of the opposition undermines the spirit of competition that keeps governments accountable. When opposition figures trade their mandates for personal benefits, they betray the trust of their voters and weaken the democratic structure.
Another pressing concern is the idea of “buying” political influence. Instead of focusing on policies and development, politics is increasingly becoming a marketplace where loyalty, influence, and even future tickets are up for sale. The big question remains: Will the ruling party buy voters or buy politicians? The truth is, the voters remain the ultimate decision-makers. No matter how many legislators or party leaders defect, victory at the polls is still determined by the people.
As we approach 2027, the lesson is clear: any legislator who fails to deliver meaningful projects, quality representation, and leadership in his constituency will not win even in his own polling unit. The electorate is becoming more aware, more vocal, and more determined to choose leaders based on performance rather than party affiliation.
This is also a wake-up call to the Nigerian youth. Instead of sitting on the sidelines complaining about bad governance and political corruption, it is time to get involved. The political field is open, and the coming elections will not necessarily favor the rich or the ruling class alone. With the right message, grassroots connection, and genuine service, youths can win elections under any party.