Group pushes constitutional changes to curb political tourism
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| Segun Showunmi |
A political advocacy group, The Alternative, has unveiled a detailed set of proposed constitutional amendments aimed at strengthening political parties as the central pillars of Nigeria’s democratic development, reducing opportunistic defections, and ensuring that candidates are firmly rooted in party ideology before contesting elections.
The proposals, contained in a policy paper titled “Strengthening Political Parties as Pillars of Democracy – Principles for Nigeria’s Democratic Development” and convened by Otunba Segun Showunmi, seek amendments to four key sections of the 1999 Constitution — Sections 65(2)(b), 106(d), 131(c), and 177(c).
According to the document, the amendments would “substitute the existing provisions with a new paragraph to read: ‘He is a member of a political party for the last four years and is sponsored by that party, except where a party is defunct and he joins another or where the party is newly formed.’”
Explaining the rationale, the group said, “The overarching proposed amendments… are meticulously designed to ensure that candidates vying for legislative and executive offices are rigorously vetted by their political parties in alignment with a system where parties, not ‘strongmen,’ drive national development.”
It stressed that the initiative would ensure “the fortification of fundamental rights, broadening protections against discrimination and fostering greater participation in an increasingly evolving democracy; enhancement of institutional accountability, reshaping judicial, electoral, and oversight mechanisms to reinforce transparency and public trust in governance; amplification of local governance structures to encourage equitable resource distribution and participatory decision-making; promotion of economic and social justice, incorporating provisions that guarantee equitable access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities; and recognition of the right to a clean and sustainable environment as a constitutional imperative.”
Automatic forfeiture for defectors
One of the strongest provisions in the proposal is an anti-defection measure that would compel any elected official who defects from the party that sponsored them to “forfeit their seat, thereby triggering a by-election to fill the vacancy.” The policy further recommends a “moratorium on re-election” under which “defectors shall be barred from contesting under another party for a minimum of one electoral cycle (four years).”
On the objectives, the group stated: “Institutionalise party supremacy; replace personality-driven politics with party-based governance, ensuring candidates are accountable to their parties’ ideologies and manifestos. Eradicate cross-carpeting; mandate a four-year party membership and sponsorship requirement for eligibility, thereby discouraging defections for personal gain. Promote internal democracy; strengthen party structures to ensure transparent candidate selection and ideological coherence. Enhance electoral credibility; diminish electoral volatility by ensuring candidates have long-term commitments to their parties.”
Strengthening party structures
The Alternative also proposed a “party institutionalisation framework” under which all political parties must “mandatorily personalise their constitutions with explicit ideological principles and provisions.” It adds: “All parties must adopt constitutions delineating their ideological pillars. Candidate nomination processes, which include consensus, direct, or indirect primaries, should be entirely transparent and devoid of imposition. Funding accountability: Parties must disclose sources of funding and undergo annual audits to mitigate godfatherism.”
The document calls for strong oversight by the Independent National Electoral Commission, stating: “INEC shall verify party membership duration via centralized biometric registers and enforce penalties for non-compliance (disqualification).” It further prescribes “public awareness” measures, including “nationwide campaigns to educate voters on party ideologies over personality hijacking.”
Expected results
The group expressed confidence that the reforms would produce “stable party systems” that “will significantly reduce factionalism and promote coherent policy implementation.” It added that “accountability” would be strengthened because “elected officials will remain answerable to party manifestos rather than personal, self-serving interests,” while “reduced electoral violence” would result from “fewer defections minimising post-election litigation, curbing unnecessary violence, and increasing stability in the political landscape.”
The document further notes: “Ideological clarity; voters will find it easier to align with parties based on policies rather than patronage.”
A “sunset clause” is included in the proposal, requiring a review of its impact after 12 years “to assess policy impact on democracy.”
A shift from ‘strongman’ politics
In his concluding remarks, Showunmi said the emphasis on party institutionalisation “will facilitate Nigeria’s transition from a ‘strongman’ democracy to one anchored in robust, ideologically rooted parties. These policy frameworks will effectively curb the destabilising effects of cross-carpeting, foster policy continuity, and align Nigeria with global best practices in party-driven democracies.”
He described the proposals as “a solemn commitment to uphold the sovereignty of the people, the integrity of the nation, and the enduring principles of democracy, justice, and progress for generations to come,” adding: “Let this endeavour reflect the collective resolve to construct a more just, inclusive, and resilient society under the rule of law.”
