It’s Wrong To ‘Condemn’ Defections, Leaving One Party For Another Not ‘A Betrayal Of Trust’-Former Rep Akinlade

It is very wrong to seek to ‘criminalize’ defections while it is also incorrect to say leaving one party for another is a betrayal of trust, a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon Adekunle Akinlade, has submitted.

Team@orientactualmags.com learned that Hon Akinlade, who said this while talking to journalists in Abuja on Saturday, also noted that it will not be ‘business as usual’ in the upcoming 2027 general election.

‘Defections are not betrayals. They are signals of progress’ he said.

Akinlade , who represented Egbado South and Ipokia federal constituency in the House of Representatives, noted that party-switching is a necessary response to internal dysfunction and ideological disconnection.

‘There is no constitutional crime in switching political allegiance. What matters is the reason. When a platform no longer reflects your mission or your people’s interests, you move’ he added.

The former federal lawmaker also noted that the next presidential election will test Nigeria’s political intelligence and ideological stamina adding that there would be a shift in public expectations and political benchmarks.

Akinlade, a former Ogun State guber aspirant, also submitted that 2027 will usher in a new era of issue-based politics and rigorous voter scrutiny.

‘This time around, it will be policy over personality. Nigerians won’t just vote for who they like; they’ll vote for who has a plan. We’re now in an era where performance matters more than personality.

Nigerians are wiser now. The next election will be about ideas, not identities. Those who want power must bring clear, workable policies, not just promises’ he said.

The former federal lawmaker urged young Nigerians to engage in the political process not just through criticism, but through informed participation and contributions to nation-building.

‘We may be divided by party lines, but the mission is the same: to rescue Nigeria and rebuild it. The country must win, more than any politician or party’ he submitted-Team@orientactualmags.com  Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you