The Implications of Party Defection on Consolidation of Nigeria’s Democracy Prior To 2015, 2019 and 2022

Abstract

A major worry for Nigerian democracy, particularly with regard to its consolidation and longevity, is the absence of internal democracy and Godfatherism, which has led to enormous defections from one party to another and a growing estrangement between voters and their elected representatives. Therefore, this study evaluated the "implications of party defection for consolidation of Nigeria's democracy prior to the pre-election seasons of 2015, 2019 and 2022." For the examination of the research framework, the study used game theory. The study made use of the content analysis approach, which analyzes data from sources such published books, journals, conference papers, and internet materials. The study comes to the conclusion that Nigeria's democracy is in danger and that party politics in Nigeria are suffering as a result of the rate at which political members have defected to other parties since 2015, 2019 and in 2022. The report suggests strengthening, amending the Nigerian constitution and election rules to control the alarming incidence of political defection, as well as reorganizing political parties to combat party monopoly, a lack of internal democracy, and indiscipline.

Keywords: Consolidation, Defection, Democracy, Political Party.