A Public affairs analyst, Green Isaac, has raised concerns over Nigeria’s democratic landscape warning of a rising trend of blurred political loyalties, with Rivers State emerging as a prominent case study.
Isaac stated this in Port Harcourt, while reacting to the recent developments of political parties getting involved in the you internal affairs of other parties.
According to him, there is an increasing pattern where members of one political party actively participate in the internal affairs of rival parties, including congresses, consultations, and primary elections.
Warning that such practice undermines party discipline, weakens democratic institutions, and erodes the ideological foundation upon which party politics is built.
He maintained that traditionally, political parties are expected to represent distinct visions, policies, and governance approaches, enabling citizens to make informed electoral choices.
Noting that Nigeria’s political environment is increasingly driven by personal ambition, power struggles, and opportunism, rather than clear ideological commitments or public service.
“In Rivers State, this situation has drawn particular attention, as political alliances and defections appear to be shaped more by strategic interests than by policy direction or the welfare of citizens.
This has created uncertainty among the electorate, many of whom now struggle to distinguish party identities or hold leaders accountable for governance outcomes”, he said.
Isaac warn that one of the major risks of this trend is the weakening of opposition politics, as functional democracy depends on a strong opposition to provide checks and balances, offer alternative policies, and safeguard public interest.
Noting when political actors across party lines collaborate for personal gain, democratic accountability is significantly reduced.
He also raised concerns about declining public trust in the political system.
“Many citizens, particularly young people, are becoming disillusioned as party platforms are increasingly perceived as tools for personal advancement rather than vehicles for national development.
This growing distrust could fuel voter apathy, heighten political tensions, and increase the risk of civil unrest”, he said.
The public affairs analyst further caution against emerging sentiments that romanticize military intervention as a response to political instability.
While frustrations with democratic governance persist, adding that historical experience in Nigeria shows that military rule often results in the suspension of constitutional rights, suppression of civil liberties, and weakening of democratic institutions.
He further emphasised that the solution lies not in abandoning democracy, but in strengthening it. He however, called for renewed commitment to ideological politics, internal party democracy, discipline, and accountability.
He explained that without deliberate reforms and responsible leadership, the current trajectory of political opportunism could pose a serious threat to the stability of democratic governance in the country.
Isaac also appealed for electoral bodies and the judiciary to remain independent, while urging civil society, the media, and community leaders to continue advocating for transparency and responsible leadership.
He stressed that the future of Nigeria’s democracy particularly in politically active states like Rivers will depend on the willingness of both leaders and citizens to uphold democratic principles and demand governance rooted in integrity, accountability, and service to the people.
