A former member of the House of Representatives and one-time Ogun State governorship aspirant, Adekunle Akinlade, has declared that the era of business as usual in Nigerian politics is over, adding that political defections should not be seen as acts of betrayal.
Speaking at a media parley in Abuja on Saturday, Akinlade said those criticising defecting public officeholders and politicians were missing the bigger picture.
“Defections are not betrayals. They are signals of progress,” he stated.
According to Akinlade, switching political parties is often a necessary reaction to internal dysfunction and ideological disconnection within parties.
“There is no constitutional crime in switching political allegiance. What matters is the reason. When a platform no longer reflects your mission or your people’s interests, you move,” he said.
He emphasised that rather than shame defectors, Nigerians should ask why the political structures they leave behind are no longer attractive or viable.
The former lawmaker described the upcoming 2027 general election as a turning point in Nigeria’s political evolution, predicting a shift towards issue-based politics and rigorous voter scrutiny.
“This time, it will be policy over personality. Nigerians won’t just vote for who they like; they’ll vote for who has a plan.
“Nigerians are wiser now. The next election will be about ideas, not identities. Those who want power must bring clear, workable policies, not just promises,” Akinlade said.
He noted that the next presidential race would challenge both the incumbent and the opposition to prove their ideological stamina and political intelligence.
Akinlade also challenged Nigerian youths to go beyond online activism and become active participants in the political process.
“We need young Nigerians not just to tweet or criticise, but to contest, contribute, and collaborate in nation-building,” he said.
He described his ongoing political mission as one committed to reform, inclusion, and institutional credibility, particularly in the face of Nigeria’s socio-political challenges.
“We may be divided by party lines, but the mission is the same: to rescue Nigeria and rebuild it. The country must win, more than any politician or party,” he concluded.
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