A Nation of Political Nomads: Who Did This To Us?

By Francis Dufugha

Defection has become a sport in Nigeria’s political terrain, played not by the rules of ideology but by the whistles of self-interest. Recent developments in Delta State have once again exposed the soul of Nigerian politics—or perhaps, the lack thereof. In an unexpected but not unprecedented twist, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, and a slew of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwarts reportedly decamped to the All Progressives Congress (APC). A political earthquake? Not quite. In Nigeria, the ground shakes often—but not always for the right reasons.

The question that hangs like harmattan dust in the air is this: Were they cajoled, coerced, or coated in promises by the presidency and the APC leadership? Was it President Bola Ahmed Tinubu whispering political lullabies behind closed doors? Or is this yet another classic case of the old Nigerian proverb in action: “He who fears the cane dances to the drummer’s tune.”

Let’s not mince words—the fear of EFCC is indeed the beginning of political wisdom in this clime. A prominent politician once said, “If you want your sins forgiven in Nigeria, just defect to the ruling party.” That statement, once thought of as sarcastic banter, has become gospel truth in the corridors of power.

A friend of mine, in dissecting this drama over a cup of bitter kola, called the trend “a creeping virus that may yet kill our nascent democracy.” He might be right. We are slowly being led into a one-party state, not by force, but by the allure of political survival. It’s not the gun that’s killing opposition; it’s the golden handshake.

How does one explain that Governor Oborevwori, barely two years into his first term, would jump ship so quickly? This is the same Delta where Ifeanyi Okowa, not too long ago, was the vice presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2023 elections. What changed between yesterday and today? Could it be that principles have expiry dates in Nigerian politics?

During General Sani Abacha’s era, sycophants would chant, “He who the cap fits…” Today, politicians wear many caps, and none quite fits, because it is not about leadership—it is about leverage. This dance of defection is not orchestrated to the rhythm of ideology but to the drums of opportunism.

Let’s be frank—in Nigeria, the stomach is the compass that guides political direction. Our politicians do not ask what the party stands for; they ask, “What is in it for me?” They treat political parties like taxis—hop in, hop out—so long as it takes them to the destination called “personal gain.”

We must then ask, who will build the party they once claimed to love? Who will nurture it for the coming generation? Who will teach young Nigerians that politics is not just about power, but about purpose?

APC, under President Tinubu’s leadership, has not exactly painted the sky with rainbows. The economic hardship is biting. Inflation is knocking at every door, fuel prices have tripled, and the value of the naira is on a pilgrimage to the bottom. So what then is the magnetic pull? Surely, not performance.

Who did this to us? Who broke the compass of conscience? Nigeria is bleeding, yet the political elite are busy changing uniforms in a burning house.

This is not just about PDP or APC. It’s about the soul of our democracy. And if we continue to let this trend fester—where loyalty is auctioned and conscience is caged—then we may wake up one day and find that the last flicker of democratic flame has been snuffed out.

Let it be said: a house built on self-interest will collapse under the weight of betrayal. Nigeria deserves better. And it begins with politicians who understand that true leadership is not about switching sides—it’s about standing firm for what is right.

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