National Assembly to Amend Electoral Act to Curb Rising Political Defections

The National Assembly has disclosed plans to amend the Electoral Act to address the increasing trend of political defections by elected public officials without vacating their seats.

The Clerk of the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, made this known during a symposium in Abuja held in honour of the Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).

Ogunlana’s remarks were in response to a passionate appeal by the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, who described the wave of defections as a direct threat to Nigeria’s democratic integrity—especially with the 2027 general elections approaching.

Itodo pointed to the April 23 defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), taking with him a large portion of the PDP’s state structure, including former Vice Presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa.

“When elected officials switch parties without returning to the polls, it undermines the voters’ trust,” Itodo said. “The Supreme Court has affirmed that votes belong to political parties. Shouldn't such defections trigger automatic seat forfeiture?”

Ogunlana assured that lawmakers are already considering legal solutions to put an end to this recurring issue, promising that reforms would be carried out to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.

He also acknowledged the critical role NILDS plays in equipping lawmakers with legislative skills and knowledge. “For someone to lead NILDS, it requires the involvement of the President, Senate President, and the House Speaker. That alone speaks volumes about its importance,” he noted.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Victor Umeh, commended the current NILDS leadership for transforming the institute into a true learning centre for lawmakers. “This is where legislative excellence is nurtured,” he said.

With growing public concern and civil society involvement, this proposed amendment could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of 2027, restoring accountability and respect for electoral mandates.