The Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, Clement Nwankwo, has stated that elected legislators defecting to other political parties is not in line with the constitution. Nwankwo made this statement during an interview on Channels Television’s programme, Politics Today, where he shared his insights on the matter.
As someone who has been involved in the constitution-making process since the 1999 constitution in the Fourth Republic, Nwankwo brought a unique perspective to the conversation. He explained that the constant alterations to the constitution are a result of politicians finding ways to subvert the existing laws, prompting the need for new measures and provisions to prevent such manipulations.
Nwankwo specifically addressed the issue of legislators switching parties, stating that it is clearly forbidden by the constitution. He emphasized that if a legislator is elected under a particular party, they should not be allowed to defect to another party. This statement highlights the need for adherence to constitutional provisions and the importance of upholding the rule of law in the country’s political landscape.
The issue of party defection has been a contentious one in the country’s political sphere, with many instances of legislators switching parties over the years. Nwankwo’s statement serves as a reminder of the need for political leaders to respect the constitution and the electoral process that brought them into office. As the country continues to evolve its political landscape, the importance of adhering to constitutional provisions and promoting transparency and accountability in governance cannot be overstated.
In the context of Nigeria’s political history, the constitution has undergone several amendments aimed at strengthening the country’s democratic institutions and promoting good governance. Nwankwo’s involvement in the constitution-making process has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies of the law and the need for its provisions to be respected. As the debate on party defection continues, Nwankwo’s statement is a timely reminder of the importance of upholding the constitution and promoting a culture of respect for the rule of law in the country’s political landscape.
