By DORCAS ELUSOGBON

As the 2027 general election approaches, the political landscape is witnessing heightened activity, marked by strategic defections and intensified rhetoric among politicians and political organisations.

Perhaps, nothing reflects the height of political activities better than recent events in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), as well as in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The general election Is shaping up to be a highly contested battle between the APC, the PDP, and the recent coalition entity embodied in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

As a result of the internal alterations and realignments of internal dynamics currently experienced by these parties, analysts say their final shape is destined to impact the outcome of the election.

A political defector Is someone who switches membership or allegiance from one political party to another.

This can happen in various scenarios, like a member of parliament changing parties or a prominent figure leaving one political organisation for another.

It can involve a legislator changing party affiliation or an individual leaving their home country, often to a foreign country, for political reasons.

For instance, Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta officially dumped the PDP and joined the APC.

Aminu Tambuwal, the former Sokoto State governor, first left the PDP for the APC while serving as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Abdulfatah Ahmed, while governor of Kwara, made headlines for his political switches. He left PDP for APC in 2013.

He returned to the PDP in 2018.

Boni Haruna, Governor of Adamawa from 1999 to 2007, also defected from PDP to Action Congress of Nigeria (CAN) while in office.

Ikedi Ohakim, the governor of Imo in 2007, switched from the Progressive Peoples Alliance to the PDP.

Murtala Nyako governed Adamawa from 2007 to 2008.

He left the APC and moved to the PDP.

Rochas Okorocha, elected Imo governor in 2011, defected from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the APC during his time in office.

Mahmuda Shinkafi (Zamfara) moved from the ANPP to the PDP, while Bello Matawalle (Zamfara) switched from the PDP to the APC

Also, states like Benue, Ondo, Rivers, Cross River, Edo, Kano, Kebbi, and Jigawa have all experienced political defections by sitting governors at various times.

Speaking on recent defection and realignment ongoing in the country, Dr. Biyi Odunlade, Osun Commissioner for Political Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations, said, ideally, defection from one party to another is normal.

Odunlade added that defection is not news; it started long ago during the 1960s, so it’s not an uncommon thing, citing the UPN and NPN, AG and NLC periods.

He stated that defection occurs when one disagrees with a system and wants to move to another political group, but it’s not absurd.

Odunlade said it depends on the nature of defection.

“Today, defection is an opportunity to grab power. But, unfortunately, the evolution of politics in Nigeria is seen as a dangerous dimension, where there is a lack of ideology and principle”.

He emphasised that politicians are dumping their parties because of peculiarity and pocket interests, which have dominated the political space.

That makes the issue of defection very disturbing.

Odunlade explained that decamping started long ago; people have cause to disagree then, but today, there’s no need for disagreement.

He stated that politicians see politics as an opportunity to move from one party to another to look for greener pastures, which makes it disturbing and worrisome.

“Accordingly, defection is not an ideal thing; it’s just a mockery of democracy.”

The commissioner emphasised that the issue of defection needs to be addressed by democrats, progressive-minded people, stakeholders, and gladiators.

“The alignment and realignment currently going on could best be seen as a target for the 2027 general elections. 2026 is being used as bait for 2027.

“The alignments and realignments are based on the dictates of the national question or what is happening at the national level.

“Besides, a lot of corrupt and paperweight politicians used the opportunity of aligning with APC at the Federal level as a way of escaping prosecution by the EFCC”, he said.

The commissioner said that corrupt politicians believe that when they join the ruling party at any dispensation at the federal level, all their sins would be forgiven and they would escape prosecution.

He explained further that defection is a mockery of democracy and a reflection of what’s happening in the country at large.

“It is crystal clear that Osun people will return Gov. Adeleke in 2026. Defection cannot strengthen the APC for its already crumbled house, even at the national level.

“People are hungry, no job, insecurity is alarming, there’s no money, certainly it’s just propaganda,” he maintained.

Also, Mr Olumide Awosunle, the former LP member House of Representatives, attributed the causes of massive defection of politicians from one party to another to personal interest, not members’ interest.

Awosunle said that Nigerian politicians care about their interests more than national interest, adding that statesman thinks about the next generation, while none of the politicians cares about the electorate but hustle to win the next general election.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Minds Power Global Concept stated further that those who are decamping are not interested in the electorate that voted them in.

He urged voters to use the power of their votes wisely in order to hand over good governance to the next generation.

“Nigerians who are going through hell, Nigerians whose future is at stake…politicians are after how they are going to win the next elections or get their second term or third term, depending on where they are.

“So, the whole issue about saga is based on personal interest; they are senators, governors, representatives, but, unfortunately, we find ourselves in such a situation in the country.

“A situation whereby we are not interested in the well-being of our nation, when we are not interested in the well-being of our people. We are only interested in personal interests,” he added.

Analysts say, while the general elections are billed for 2027, other off-season elections are coming up before then, which will serve as a litmus test for political realignments.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fixed the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states for Saturday, July 20, and Saturday, August 8, 2026, respectively.

Political watchers believe that the two elections could serve as a reflection of what to expect in terms of outcomes of defections before 2027.

A former Commissioner for Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism in Osun, Hon. Sikiru Ayedun, said, in the state, the signs are there that Gov. Ademola Adeleke has been endorsed.

Ayedun said the feeling does not change the fact that citizens of the state are still expecting the direction of different political parties, especially from the coalition group.

However, former Secretary to the Osun Government, Prince Kazeem Adio, expressed confidence that the APC will defeat Adeleke in the 2026 governorship election.

Ayedun concluded that, as Osun anticipates 2027, its immediate focus is on the August 2026 governorship election. (NAN)