The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned that political defections by governors and other elected officials damage Nigeria’s democracy and should attract criminal sanctions. The party said frequent defections weaken accountability and betray voters’ trust.
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, made the call while reacting to the growing wave of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He said politicians who abandon the platforms that brought them to power undermine democratic values.
PDP defections amount to abuse of voters’ mandate
Ememobong argued that defection after winning an election amounts to taking power under false pretence. He said democracy suffers when politicians move freely without consequences.
“Defection doesn’t help democratic consolidation. It should even get to a point where defection is criminalised,” he said.
He explained that the Constitution already spells out how elected officials can lose their seats. However, authorities often fail to enforce those provisions. As a result, defections continue without sanctions.
Emergency rule verdict raises constitutional concerns
Ememobong also spoke on the Supreme Court ruling concerning the state of emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu. He noted that the court struck out the case due to the absence of a cause of action.
However, he warned that the judgment created uncertainty around the scope of presidential emergency powers. According to him, the Constitution allows a president to declare emergency rule but does not clearly permit the removal of elected governors or institutions.
“Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely,” Ememobong said.
2027 election claims rejected
Reacting to claims that the 2027 elections are already decided due to defections, Ememobong dismissed the narrative. He said democracy requires uncertainty until votes are cast.
Despite recent PDP defections, he maintained that the party remains strong because it prioritises voters over political office holders. He added that Nigerians still hold the power to decide leadership at the polls.
As preparations for 2027 continue, Ememobong urged lawmakers to strengthen democratic safeguards and stop rewarding political betrayal.
