Weak party ideology fuelling defections — Ganduje
By Luminous Jannamike
ABUJA — Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, on Wednesday blamed the growing wave of political defections on the absence of ideology in Nigeria’s political parties.
Speaking at the public presentation of ‘Nigeria’s Journey to Democratic Rule,’ a book by Abuja Bureau Chief of New Telegraph newspaper, journalist Onyekachi Eze-Odezulu in the nation’s capital, Ganduje said politicians were increasingly abandoning parties for personal interests rather than principles.
According to him, “Political parties are expected to be driven by clear philosophies, programmes and policy directions that distinguish one from another. Unfortunately, the absence of strong ideological foundations has, over the years, weakened party politics, encouraged defections based on personal interests rather than principles, and made it more difficult for citizens to identify clear policy alternatives.”
His remarks come amid continued wave of defections and political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ganduje said strengthening internal democracy and promoting issue-based politics would deepen Nigeria’s democratic culture and restore public confidence in the political process.
He described the book as a timely contribution to preserving Nigeria’s democratic history, stressing that democracy is about much more than holding elections.
According to him, “Democracy is much more than the conduct of elections every four years. It is built on enduring principles such as the rule of law, respect for constitutional order, an independent and credible electoral management body, vibrant political parties that practise internal democracy, a secure environment that allows citizens to participate freely in the political process, and elections that are free, fair and credible.”
He said those democratic pillars must remain protected to guarantee political stability, national unity and sustainable development.
Commending the author for what he described as painstaking research, Ganduje said the publication would serve as an important reference for students, scholars, policymakers, political actors and anyone seeking to better understand Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
He said the book offers an opportunity to reflect on the country’s democratic journey, celebrate its progress and identify areas that still require improvement.
Reaffirming his confidence in Nigeria’s democratic future, Ganduje said, “Today, we can confidently say that democracy has come to stay in Nigeria. Our responsibility is to continue nurturing it by strengthening our institutions, upholding the rule of law, promoting credible elections, encouraging principled political leadership and ensuring that democracy continues to deliver dividends to the Nigerian people.”
Al-Makura urges Nigerians to safeguard democracy
Also speaking, Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Board and former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Tanko Al-Makura, also called on Nigerians to protect the country’s democratic gains, saying the progress recorded since the return to civilian rule in 1999 should never be taken for granted.
According to him, “We cannot afford to allow these hard-earned gains to slip away.”
Al-Makura noted that Nigeria had now enjoyed 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, the country’s longest democratic experience since independence, and said the nation must continue to strengthen its institutions.
He reminded Nigerians that no democracy is perfect, arguing that democratic systems evolve over time through continuous reforms and respect for the rule of law.
According to him, “The true beauty of democracy lies in the peaceful contest of ideas, respect for the rule of law, and the ability of citizens to freely choose their leaders.”
He also described history as an indispensable guide for nation-building, saying the book provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s democratic struggles, achievements and aspirations while preserving them for future generations.
FG backs democratic consolidation
Representing the Federal Government, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, described the publication as an important contribution to documenting Nigeria’s democratic journey and educating future generations.
The minister said the book arrived at a time when the country needed well-researched works to properly document its transition from military rule to democratic governance.
He described the publication as a valuable tool for public education and enlightenment, saying it chronicles Nigeria’s democratic gains, challenges and eventual return to civil rule in 1999.
The minister added that the Tinubu administration remained committed to consolidating democracy through its Renewed Hope Agenda and urged public institutions, schools and libraries to acquire copies of the book as a reference material.
The book, ‘Nigeria’s Journey to Democratic Rule,’ traces Nigeria’s transition from military rule to democratic governance and seeks to preserve one of the country’s most defining political periods for researchers, students, policymakers and future generations.
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