Legal practitioner and public affairs analyst Jide Ologun has said that Nigeria’s rising political defections do not inherently threaten democracy, as long as leaders prioritize good governance.

Ologun stressed that democracy is meaningful when governments protect lives, improve welfare, and deliver public services, rather than merely balancing partisan interests or political power. He argued that the true measure of democratic health lies in whether leaders serve national interest over personal gain.

Commenting on recent defections that have strengthened the All Progressives Congress’ presence in the National Assembly, Ologun noted that ideology in Nigerian politics has largely given way to strategic survival and influence. He explained that politicians often switch parties to protect themselves from prosecution, isolation, or loss of relevance.

He cited weak enforcement of constitutional provisions—such as rules requiring defecting lawmakers without valid grounds to forfeit seats—as enabling opportunistic party switches. Ologun also highlighted the absence of constitutional restrictions on governors’ defections, which he said undermines accountability.

While praising President Bola Tinubu as a skilled political strategist consolidating influence ahead of 2027, Ologun urged Nigerians to remain engaged, organized, and demanding transparency, warning that unchecked political opportunism could erode democratic institutions and culture.