Patterns of political defection in Nigeria, by Enyinnaya Appolos

2024 is expected to be a year of political defections among Nigeria’s political players, with anticipated cross-party movements.

While some individuals will switch from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), as seen in Abia, others will defect from the PDP to the Labour Party (LP), as observed in Imo.

However, before 2027, a mass return to PDP is expected from LP, APC, and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Therefore, those of us who have chosen to remain in PDP, particularly in Abia, should not be perturbed by the departure of our former members.

More PDP members in Abia are expected to defect to the APC soon.

No one should begrudge anyone for exercising their constitutional right to freedom of association.

However, those who choose to leave must do so with maturity and integrity. They should not blame or call out anyone as the reason for dumping the party. Instead, they must acknowledge that their political interests and personal ambitions are the sole reasons for their decision to leave.

It is acceptable for them to depart now, allowing us to genuinely rebuild and strengthen the PDP in Abia.

Unfortunately, ideology often takes a back seat in Nigerian politics, with self-interest prevailing.

Politicians will always gravitate towards parties where their interests are best secured.

My name is Enyinnaya Appolos