In the murky waters of Nigerian politics, where party-switching has become as common as PHCN outages, one elder statesman is calling for a little discipline — and a lot more loyalty.
Dr. Babangida Aliyu, former Governor of Niger State and a long-standing chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stirred the political pot this week with a bold message: don’t open the door for those who walked out on you when the roof was leaking.
Speaking at a PDP stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, Aliyu didn’t mince words. He warned the party leadership against welcoming back politicians who abandoned the PDP during its most difficult seasons — especially those who only show up when it looks like there’s a plate of political jollof on the table again.
“Those who left the party when we needed them most should not be welcomed back,” he said. “We must draw the line and make it clear that loyalty has consequences.”
Politics, Like Marriage, Needs Commitment
In a political culture where party defections have become part of the electoral playbook — especially ahead of elections — Aliyu’s comments struck a chord. The PDP, once Nigeria’s dominant party, has suffered a steady stream of high-profile departures in recent years, as politicians crossed over to rival parties in search of greener pastures (or perhaps just fatter envelopes).
Now, with the 2027 general elections slowly creeping onto the horizon, the PDP is working to rebuild its house. And according to Aliyu, there’s no room for fair-weather friends.
“You can’t keep running in and out of the party like someone forgetting their phone at home,” he said, drawing chuckles from some in the audience. “We need consistency. We need people who believe in our mission — not just when things are rosy.”
Aliyu called on PDP leaders to focus on rewarding loyalty and hard work, rather than trying to recycle old names who only reappear when the party starts looking like it might win again.
“It’s time to build a new PDP — one that is disciplined, united and forward-looking. We can’t waste time begging people who clearly showed us where they stand when times got tough.”
His comments come at a time when internal party politics is heating up, and the scramble for positioning ahead of 2027 has unofficially begun. There’s talk of alliances, reunions, and possible returns of political ‘prodigal sons’ — but Aliyu clearly believes it’s time to change the script.
While many Nigerians may see party defections as just another part of the political circus, Aliyu’s warning touches on a deeper issue — the need for ideology, values, and commitment in the country’s political parties.
In his words, politics should not be a “come-and-go affair,” but a platform for service, continuity and trust. He urged party leaders to reflect on what kind of institution they are building — and who they are building it with.
For PDP supporters still licking their wounds from past betrayals, the message is simple: once bitten, twice shy.
And for the habitual defectors hoping for a warm welcome back, well — this door might just stay shut. At least, if Dr. Aliyu has his way.
