Aisha Yesufu: Political defections threaten Nigeria’s democracyPublished on September 17, 2025 By Seun Opejobi

Activist Aisha Yesufu has described the culture of political defections as one of the greatest threats to Nigeria’s democratic system.

She argued that the ease with which politicians switch parties without consequences has weakened accountability and distorted the will of voters.

Writing on X, the co-founder of the #BringBackOurGirls movement stressed the urgent need for legislation that would protect the right of association while ensuring public office holders forfeit positions won under their former parties.

“One of the biggest problems we have in Nigerian politics is this defection from one party to another seamlessly,” Yesufu posted.

She added: “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!

“Until that is done, we would continue to have this unhealthy situation where everyone wants to move to the ruling party, be it at the state or federal level.”

Yesufu’s remarks echo growing concerns among Nigerians who see frequent cross-carpeting as a betrayal of electoral mandates. Critics argue that such defections, often driven by self-interest, undermine public trust and entrench one-party dominance at the expense of genuine opposition.