THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DEFECTION AND ELECTORAL OUTCOME IN SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS
Authors
Abdulrauf Ambali
Kwara State University, Malete
Author
Ibrahim O. Salawu
Kwara State University, Malete
Author
Moshood A. Olatunji
Fountain University, Osogbo
Author
Keywords:
Defection,
Democracy,
Election,
Ideology,
Political Party
Abstract
The way politicians in Nigeria defect from one political party to another has constituted democratic nuisance and raised concern among political observers and participants. This study explores the linkage between defection and electoral outcome in Southwestern Nigeria using content analysis of secondary data and descriptive analysis of primary data obtained through questionnaires. Findings revealed that politicians’ defection affects electoral outcomes in Southwestern Nigeria. The study concluded that a strong connection exists between political ideology and defection, with effects on electoral outcomes. It recommends legal reform requiring elected politicians who defect to seek re-election.
