The public's reaction to the defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and others was both intriguing and amusing, while some are adopting an overly moralistic stance. Others have reacted as if their defection is novel and new. It should be understood that politics is the art of navigating power, interests, and governance, often balancing ideals with the realities of human ambition and compromise.
The debate about the relationship between morality and politics has long been shaped by two contrasting perspectives: Aristotle and Machiavelli. Aristotle envisioned politics as a moral project aimed at universal justice, emphasizing ethical governance as the cornerstone of societal progress. In stark contrast, Machiavelli championed realpolitik, where practical outcomes outweigh ethical ideals. He famously argued that politics should be divorced from traditional ethical norms and religious principles, advocating for rulers to prioritize the preservation of their authority and the stability of the state, even if it meant resorting to morally questionable tactics. This dichotomy underscores the enduring tension between idealism and pragmatism in governance.
While some reacted as though political defection was a novel phenomenon, the history of Nigerian politics is replete with similar occurrences. Political defection in Nigeria dates back to the pre-independence era, with the first notable instance occurring in 1951. During this period, 20 members of the defunct National Council for Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) defected to the Action Group to prevent Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe from becoming the premier of the old Western Region. Another significant example was the 1962 crisis in the Western Region, where members of the Action Group defected to the NCNC, exacerbating regional tensions and contributing to the collapse of the First Republic.
The Second Republic (1979–1983) witnessed further defections as politicians manoeuvre to secure positions within the ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN) or viable opposition parties. The return to democracy in 1999, marking the Fourth Republic, amplified this trend due to the proliferation of political parties and the fluidity of party loyalty. The absence of strong ideological differences among parties, coupled with Nigeria’s patronage-based political system, has made defection a strategic tool for politicians.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar epitomizes the strategic nature of cross-carpeting in Nigerian politics. Elected as Vice President in 1999 under the PDP, Atiku defected to the Action Congress (AC) in 2006 following a fallout with President Olusegun Obasanjo. He returned to the PDP in 2009, defected again to the APC in 2014 ahead of the 2015 elections, and rejoined the PDP in 2017 to contest the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections. Atiku’s frequent defections highlight the calculated pragmatism that defines political manoeuvring in Nigeria.
The formation of the APC in 2013, through a merger of opposition parties, triggered a wave of defections. Prominent PDP members, including governors like Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), and Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), defected to the APC, citing dissatisfaction with the PDP’s leadership under President Goodluck Jonathan. This mass defection was pivotal in the APC’s victory in the 2015 general elections. Similarly, in 2018, Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara defected from the APC to the PDP due to conflicts with the APC’s national leadership and exclusion from key party decisions. Saraki’s defection was widely seen as an attempt to bolster his 2019 presidential ambition.
In 2020, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State defected from the APC to the PDP after being disqualified from the APC’s gubernatorial primary due to internal party disputes. His defection enabled him to secure the PDP ticket and win re-election, demonstrating how defections can serve as a lifeline for politicians facing intra-party challenges.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa's defection can be understood as a bold and pragmatic move grounded in timeless political wisdom. The highest duty of a leader is to preserve the State and ensure the stability of governance. Leadership often demands flexibility, foresight, and courage. In this light, Governor Oborevwori’s decision reflects a strategic recalibration, a recognition that the changing tides of national politics require adaptability for the greater good of Delta State.
Rather than a betrayal of values, his defection can be seen as an act of leadership, choosing alignment that may unlock better cooperation with federal authorities, attract more resources, and position Delta State advantageously within Nigeria’s political architecture. It is a demonstration of political maturity: placing the welfare of his people above personal sentiment or party lines. By embracing realism, Governor Oborevwori proves himself not merely a politician, but a statesman unafraid to make tough decisions for the long-term benefit of his state. In an era where many leaders cling to outdated loyalties, his move signals a refreshing commitment to governance that works.
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