Nothing Has Changed Since 1998 Despite Defections

Abuja — Political commentator Frank Ehiosun has criticized Nigeria’s long history of political defections, saying that despite the repeated promises of reform and progress by defectors since 1998, no real change or impact has come from the trend.

Speaking during a live discussion on VOP TV, Ehiosun described the culture of cross-party movement as a cycle of political convenience, where leaders change platforms without changing their values or commitment to the people.

“Since 1998, everyone who came with the same narrative of defection has made no real difference — we can look back and assess them. There’s been no impact, no change; it’s all the same story,” he said.

He noted that defections are often driven by personal ambition or political survival, not ideology or a genuine desire to serve. As a result, the same patterns of governance failure and unfulfilled promises persist regardless of who switches sides.

“Defection has become a political strategy, not a reform tool. The faces change, but the system remains the same,” Ehiosun added.

The analyst urged Nigerians to begin evaluating leaders based on performance and accountability, rather than party loyalty or frequent movement between political platforms.

“Until voters stop celebrating defections and start demanding results, nothing will change,” he warned.

Observers agree that the statement echoes a growing public sentiment that Nigeria’s democracy has been weakened by political instability and the absence of strong ideological foundations within its major parties.