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Power, Ideology, and Party Defection in Nigeria, 2014-2024

Charles Victor Prince

Abstract

This study examined Power, Ideology, and Party Defection in Nigeria, 2014-2024, with particular attention to the dynamics of elite political behavior and its implications for democratic consolidation. The problem that prompted this investigation was the persistent rise in political defections across Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, often driven less by ideological conviction than by the pursuit of power and political survival, thereby undermining party stability and democratic development. The study was guided by two key objectives: (1) to analyze the relationship between political power, ideology, and patterns of party defection in Nigeria between 2014 and 2024; and (2) to examine how elite interests and weak ideological foundations have shaped the frequency and direction of party defections during this period. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study relied solely on secondary data sources, including scholarly articles, party documents, media reports, and official publications. An ex post facto research design was adopted since the study analyzed past events without manipulating variables. Data were thematically analyzed using a content analysis technique to identify recurrent patterns in the literature. The study was anchored on the Elite Theory, which provided a framework for explaining how the struggle among political elites for access to state power influenced patterns of defection. Findings revealed that party defections in Nigeria were largely motivated by access to political power and material resources rather than ideological differences. The study further found that the absence of strong party institutions and coherent ideological orientations weakened political loyalty, thereby normalizing defection as a strategic tool for elite survival. It was recommended that political parties institutionalize clear ideological frameworks and enforce internal democracy to strengthen cohesion, reduce opportunistic defecti

Keywords

Powerideologypartydefectiondemocratic consolidation

References

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