The president of the Baptist Conference, Kwara State chapter, Reverend Dr. Victor Adebayo Dada, has advocated for legislation to curb Nigerian politicians’ frequent defections from one party to another.
Speaking at the event marking the 70th birthday celebration of the leader of the ‘O To Ge’ political movement in Kwara State, Akogun Iyiola Oyedepo, Reverend Dada stated that political parties should be formed based on ideological lines.
The clergy also emphasized that prospective members of political parties should not be allowed to switch parties if the nation’s growing democracy is to deliver the much-needed benefits to the masses.
“Nigerian legislators should provide us with laws that make it difficult for politicians to jump from one party to another. This chameleonic behavior tends to impede the growth of democracy in our country,” he said.
Reverend Dada argued for a proper mentoring system, where political followers are guided by their mentors, who should be committed to upholding the policies of their political parties.
In his sermon at the event, the clergyman lamented the alleged lack of discipleship among followers of Nigeria’s founding fathers, which has created a significant gap in political leadership succession.
He praised Oyedepo for his alleged consistency and dedication to politics, especially since the Third Republic when he served as the Chief Whip of the Kwara State House of Assembly, through his tenure as the state Chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Dada described Oyedepo as a progressive politician with a focus on people-oriented policies.
Quoting extensively from 2 Timothy 2:1-2, the preacher, who is the Pastor in charge of Zion Baptist Church, Ilorin, stressed the importance of discipleship both in politics and spiritual matters for politicians to emerge as complete.
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He noted that Oyedepo, even at the age of 70, exemplifies the image of a political heavyweight with spiritual maturity. However, he challenged Oyedepo and like-minded politicians to cultivate successors who will continue their legacies after their departure.
According to Dada, “At 70, one should consider the hereafter. At this stage of life, one has surpassed half of one’s life, making it essential to start planning for a successor.
“Raise disciples; they are different from friends. The best legacy to bequeath is discipleship. Who are your disciples, both spiritually and politically? Those without these are living a wasted life. Start your discipleship at home, especially with your children. Parents’ labor must not be in vain.”
Political parties should have distinct ideologies, and the frequent defection from one party to another should cease to accelerate Nigeria’s socio-political growth.
In his response, Oyedepo thanked God for allowing him to reach septuagenarian status and expressed gratitude to his political colleagues for their unwavering commitment to the political and economic empowerment of the state’s people.
He added, “The past five years have been the most challenging period of my political life. During the intense struggle for regime change, I showed no interest in any position that could benefit me directly. The struggle for achieving our goals consumed my time, talent, commitment, and financial resources.
“Many were absent from the front lines of this struggle; others remained on the sidelines, observing. I was deeply involved in the trenches. Those who were not visible during the struggle ended up taking credit for our collective efforts. The unfortunate part is that they forgot to acknowledge the war commanders.
“I did not pursue an office because I believed that achieving regime change would bring other necessary benefits, such as consultation and influence in the project we built together. We worked hard to displace the old regime, believing it would advance our political careers and serve the interests of Kwara State.
“Our belief was mistaken. We now have a government that represents a one-man majority in a democracy. This has led us to question why we fought the battle and what the essence of the change we championed was. And that is my frustration at 70.”
