Abuja: A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), JB Daudu, has voiced strong opposition to the prevalent practice of cross-carpeting among elected political office holders in Nigeria, describing it as unethical and a potential precursor to a one-party state. Daudu, who is the Coordinator of the Rule of Law Development Foundation, made these remarks during the Foundation’s 13th Webinar series held in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the webinar focused on an ‘Overview and Mid-Term Report of The Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (May 2023-May 2025).’ Daudu emphasized the need for public outcry against elected officials who abandon their original political platforms for personal gain. He pointed out that the Nigerian constitution does not explicitly prohibit cross-carpeting, making it difficult to challenge the beneficiaries of such practices.
Daudu recommended an outright ban on cross-carpeting to ensure that the electorate’s will is respected throughout an official’s term. He stressed that Nigeria’s constitution is designed for a multi-party democracy, warning against the dangers of a one-party state. He urged Nigerians to actively combat corruption, highlighting the collective responsibility in preventing the misuse of political power and resources.
He further noted that politics in Nigeria has become a lucrative enterprise where significant sums of money are diverted into personal accounts, often with impunity. Daudu called for adherence to democratic principles and warned against the current ‘anything goes’ mentality in Nigerian politics. He encouraged the public to speak out and resist deviations from democratic norms.
