••• calls it the death of democracy in Ondo
The Coalition of All Civil Society Organisations in Ondo State (CACSOD) has condemned the recent mass defection of opposition lawmakers to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that the development poses a grave threat to democracy and accountability in the state.
With all 26 members of the Ondo State House of Assembly now belonging to the APC, the coalition said the legislature has effectively become “a one-party chamber” incapable of providing the necessary checks and balances in governance.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Alo Martins, and Secretary, Ayomide Jayeiola, CACSOD described the lawmakers’ action as “a betrayal of the people’s mandate” and “a direct assault on the democratic process.”
“A democracy without opposition is democracy in name only. The legislature now risks becoming a rubber stamp, unable to question the executive or defend citizens’ interests,” the coalition stated.
CACSOD argued that the mass defection violated the trust of voters who elected opposition candidates based on distinct party manifestos. It accused the defectors of political opportunism and urged them to resign and seek fresh mandates if they truly believe in their new political allegiance.
Calls for Constitutional Reform
The coalition called on the National Assembly and the ongoing Constitution Review Committee to tighten the anti-defection clause in Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, which currently allows defections on the grounds of “division” within a political party.
According to CACSOD, this loophole has been “grossly abused” by politicians who manufacture or exaggerate internal crises as an excuse to switch parties.
“Any elected official who defects should automatically vacate his or her seat,” the group said. “INEC should then conduct an immediate by-election to give voters the chance to reaffirm or reject the defector.”
The coalition also warned that a legislature without opposition weakens oversight on the executive, increases the risk of corruption, and stifles public accountability.
Citizens Urged to Be Vigilant
CACSOD urged Ondo citizens to “shine their eyes” in future elections by rejecting political defectors who place personal ambition above public service.
“Voters must reward integrity and consistency, not political convenience,” the group said, pledging to continue monitoring the Assembly’s activities to ensure accountability despite the absence of opposition.
The coalition restated its commitment to defending democracy, strengthening state institutions, and amplifying citizens’ voices across Ondo State and Nigeria.
“Democracy loses its meaning when every voice in the legislature sings the same tune,” it concluded.
