Former Plateau State Governor and senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) figure, Jonah David Jang, has raised alarms over the growing trend of political defections in Nigeria, warning that unchecked shifts could edge the country toward a one-party system and destabilize its democratic institutions.
Speaking at a PDP stakeholders’ meeting in Plateau State, Jang addressed concerns following Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s recent defection from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He framed the issue as a threat to Nigeria’s democratic integrity.
“God forbid that Nigeria ever turns into a one-party state. By God’s grace, it will not happen. We must rise to safeguard our democracy. We cannot afford to fail this country,” Jang stated emphatically.
He criticized the political culture that allows elected officials to change party allegiance at will, asserting that such actions undermine the core principles of democratic governance. Jang highlighted that electoral mandates are granted to political parties, not individuals.
“I have never seen the name of any individual printed on a ballot paper. What is written there is the name of a political party. It is the party that wins elections, not one person,” he explained.
According to Jang, Nigeria is unusual in that elected officeholders can transfer a mandate obtained under one party to another party. He described this practice as contrary to democratic norms and detrimental to political accountability.
He also expressed disapproval of INEC’s involvement in party affairs, asserting that the commission lacks constitutional authority to interfere in internal PDP matters.
“The PDP has not been deregistered, so INEC has no power to stop any PDP candidate from contesting. That is not within their jurisdiction. Their duty is to conduct elections properly. The courts must also refrain from getting involved in matters that pertain to internal party management,” Jang noted.
Addressing Governor Mutfwang’s defection, Jang argued that he should resign and seek a fresh mandate under the APC rather than simply transferring the PDP’s collective mandate.
“You should resign first, call for a fresh election, and then contest under your new party. That is what true democracy demands,” Jang insisted.
He reinforced the principle that Mutfwang’s current governorship remains a product of PDP efforts.
“Caleb Mutfwang remains the governor of Plateau State because we put him there. Before he contemplates leaving us behind, he must complete his tenure with the PDP. He cannot move our mandate,” he said, emphasizing that the electorate entrusted the PDP, not the individual alone.
Jang concluded by urging PDP members to remain united and vigilant, promising that national party leaders would be engaged to safeguard democratic stability against increasing threats.
Commentary: Jang’s remarks reflect a growing concern among political veterans about the erosion of party loyalty in Nigeria. Analysts suggest that the practice of transferring electoral mandates across party lines weakens institutional integrity and voter confidence. By advocating for adherence to party-based mandates and internal accountability, Jang underscores the importance of strengthening party systems as a buffer against one-party dominance. This stance may also serve as a warning to governors and elected officials contemplating defections without recourse to fresh mandates.
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