Human rights activist Aisha Yesufu has identified the ease with which politicians switch parties as one of the biggest challenges plaguing Nigeria’s political system.
In a post on X, Yesufu argued that while freedom of association is guaranteed, there must be laws compelling defectors to relinquish positions or benefits secured under their former party.
She warned that without such measures, the trend of politicians migrating to the ruling party—whether at the state or federal level—would continue unchecked.
She wrote:
“One of the biggest problems we have in Nigerian politics is this defection from one party to another seamlessly. We must have codified laws that expressly state that your right of association is guaranteed and you can defect from one party to another BUT whatever you won has to be left behind!”
Yesufu added that until such reforms are in place, Nigeria will continue to experience what she described as an “unhealthy situation” where politicians prioritize loyalty to ruling parties over accountability to the electorate.
