The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised alarm over the increasing defections of federal lawmakers to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that the trend could destabilize Nigeria’s democracy and create conditions for a possible military intervention.
In a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, condemned the wave of cross-carpeting by lawmakers, describing it as “political recklessness” and a “betrayal of the Constitution.”
HURIWA cautioned that the unchecked defections not only violate constitutional provisions but also erode democratic institutions and embolden anti-democratic elements.
“We are sounding a strong note of warning to Nigeria’s legislators. Their unbridled defections into the APC represent political insanity and anti-constitutional behavior,” the statement read. “Such recklessness could encourage coup plotters to step in and truncate our democracy.”
The warning comes after three senators—Akpan Ekong Samson (Akwa Ibom South), Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central), and Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi (Osun East)—formally joined the APC during Wednesday’s Senate plenary.
Justifying his defection, Senator Fadahunsi cited support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, which he said inspired his alignment with the ruling party. But HURIWA dismissed his explanation as hollow, warning that the motivations behind most defections are opportunistic and unconstitutional.
Referring to Section 68(1)(g) of the Nigerian Constitution, HURIWA noted that lawmakers who defect without a clear division or merger within their original party are legally required to vacate their seats. The group criticized the lack of enforcement, citing a 2022 Federal High Court ruling that sacked 20 lawmakers for similar violations.
“Unfortunately, court interventions are either delayed or avoided altogether. Many lawmakers hide behind orchestrated internal crises to justify their moves,” the group said.
HURIWA backed prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), who recently described unresigned defections as “illegal and morally bankrupt.” Falana argued that such lawmakers ought to vacate their positions and seek a fresh mandate under their new party.
Beyond legal concerns, HURIWA warned of the broader implications for Nigeria’s democratic health. According to the group, the APC has grown from 179 members in the House of Representatives in June 2023 to 207 as of July 2025, following a wave of defections and court rulings. The opposition, particularly the PDP and Labour Party, has suffered significant losses due to internal conflicts and poor cohesion.
“Without strong opposition, democracy cannot thrive,” HURIWA stated. “These defections are skewing the balance of power dangerously, weakening accountability and democratic checks.”
The group concluded by urging Nigerians to resist the erosion of constitutional order:
“Defections without consequences fuel impunity and endanger our democracy. If this trend continues unchecked, Nigeria risks sliding back into authoritarianism.”
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