The House of Representatives’ Constitution Review Committee, led by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, is pushing for an amendment to Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution. The proposal seeks to amend Sections 143 and 188, explicitly stipulating that presidents, vice presidents, governors, and deputy governors who defect from the political party under which they were elected—without evidence of an internal party crisis—would be liable for removal through gross misconduct proceedings .
The committee has set a target to deliver the final draft by December 2025. To ensure broad national input, it will begin a zonal tour, kicking off in Kaduna and Sokoto, to solicit feedback from stakeholders across the country .
This legislative move responds to a growing trend of high-profile defections, including those by former governors like David Umahi and Ben Ayade before the 2023 elections, and recent switches by Governors Sheriff Oborevwori and Umo Eno .
Supporters of the bill argue that Nigeria lacks a strong culture of political discipline. Solomon Bob, a member of the constitution review committee, emphasizes that globally, elected executives can’t defect and remain in office—this amendment aims to address that gap .
Critics, however, like Peter Ameh of the Coalition of United Political Parties, argue that existing provisions—such as Section 109, which covers defections among legislators—could simply be extended to the executive arm. They suggest that weak enforcement, not legal absence, is the core issue .
Backers including the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre claim the move would reinforce accountability, uphold the electorate’s mandate, and foster a stronger, more principled democracy .
