By Adekoya Abayomi Samson
Former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has expressed concern over the recent wave of defections in Bayelsa State, warning that such political instability poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
Reacting to the mass defection of Governor Douye Diri and 23 members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Dickson described the development as a dangerous trend capable of weakening party structures and eroding public trust in the democratic process.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the former governor emphasized the need for urgent electoral and constitutional reforms to check what he termed “the reckless abuse of political power and the collapse of internal party democracy.”
“When elected officials switch allegiance without ideological conviction or respect for the mandate freely given by the people, it undermines the essence of representative democracy,” Dickson said.
He noted that defections have become a recurring feature of Nigeria’s political system, often driven by personal or opportunistic interests rather than genuine ideological differences.
The Senator urged the National Assembly to expedite legislative action on pending electoral reform bills, particularly those addressing party structure, internal democracy, and penalties for political defection after elections.
“Our democracy can only be strengthened when political parties are stable, accountable, and guided by principles. Without reforms, we risk turning our democracy into a marketplace of political convenience,” he added.
Dickson further appealed to political leaders across party lines to place the nation’s interest above personal ambition, stressing that the survival of Nigeria’s democracy depends on discipline, fairness, and respect for due process.
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