CROSS-CARPETING AND ELECTORAL POLITICS: EXAMINING THE THREATS TO NIGERIA'S DEMOCRATIC CONSOLIDATION

This study investigates the dynamics of party defection in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic (1999–2022) and its implications for democratic consolidation. Drawing on secondary data sources such as scholarly articles, books, and web-based materials, the paper utilizes an eclectic theoretical approach that combines Elite Theory and Rational Choice Theory. The analysis reveals that party defection in Nigeria is driven by a combination of factors including the absence of clear party ideologies, internal party conflicts, personal economic interests, ambiguous constitutional provisions, and fear of political victimization. These defections have weakened the role of opposition parties, diminished the relevance of alternative political views, and undermined citizens' confidence in the democratic process. The findings suggest that unchecked defections pose a threat to the stability and maturity of Nigeria’s democratic system by eroding institutional accountability and reducing the space for healthy political competition. To strengthen democratic consolidation, the paper recommends that political parties should adopt firm ideological foundations and internal democratic structures, drawing lessons from established democracies where party loyalty and policy-driven affiliations are upheld.