In Nigeria’s democratic landscape, the frequent movement of politicians between political parties has long been a subject of concern. Politicians who have little to no history with a political party frequently emerge as flagbearers, often overriding long-standing, loyal party members. This unsettling trend undermines internal party democracy, breeds opportunism, and weakens the ideological foundation of Nigeria’s political parties.

To address these issues, a crucial reform must be introduced into the nation’s legal and political framework: the Electoral Act and the constitutions of all registered political parties should be amended to include a provision that only individuals who have been registered members of a political party for at least four (4) consecutive years can contest elections under that party’s platform.

This requirement is not merely administrative, it is a necessary check on political opportunism, a foundation for internal party discipline, and a safeguard for democratic integrity.
Nigeria’s political culture is riddled with the disturbing phenomenon of politicians jumping ship from one party to another just before elections. Aspirants often decamp from one party to another days before primaries, hoping to find an easier path to candidacy. In many cases, these individuals have no track record in the new party, no visible contribution, no history of loyalty, and no alignment with the party’s purported ideology.
This creates a distortion in the political process, where loyalty is punished and ambition is rewarded. Faithful party members who have served diligently at ward, local government, and state levels are frequently side-lined for political heavyweights who arrive at the last minute with influence or financial resources. The result is a disenfranchised base, an unstable party system, and a confused electorate.

Why a 4-Year Minimum Membership Clause is Essential

1. Promotes Loyalty and Party Cohesion

Political parties are not mere election platforms; they are vehicles of ideological expression and social mobilisation. A 4-year minimum membership requirement ensures that those who aspire to elective office under a party’s banner have a consistent history with the party. This cultivates loyalty and encourages political aspirants to commit long-term to party growth, internal democracy, and grassroots development.

2. Allows Parties to Vet Candidates Thoroughly

A major advantage of this proposal is that it gives parties and their leadership the opportunity to truly know, evaluate, and attest to the character, values, and contributions of potential candidates. Four years is a reasonable amount of time for party structures. ward leaders, local government officials, and national executives, to observe a member’s conduct, leadership potential, and ideological alignment.

This vetting period helps prevent the rise of unscrupulous or ill-prepared individuals who view politics as a personal business venture. It allows parties to take responsibility for the candidates they present to the public by saying: “This is someone we have known, groomed, and trusted for years.”

3. Strengthens Internal Democracy

Internal democracy is weakened when party tickets are handed to outsiders or last-minute joiners. Such practices discourage grassroots participation and give the impression that only the wealthy or politically connected can win party primaries. With a 4-year rule in place, party members are incentivised to stay active and loyal, knowing that they, too, have a fair shot at leadership if they serve diligently.

4. Discourages Political Defections
The proposed reform would also discourage the culture of indiscriminate defection. Politicians would think twice before abandoning their party if they know they must spend four years in another before they can contest an election. This would stabilize the party system, encourage ideological consistency, and allow voters to hold parties accountable based on their candidates’ actions.

5. Builds Public Trust and Political Legitimacy

Voters are more likely to trust a party that fields candidates with a known history in the party and in the community. When political parties present candidates who have been members for years people who have engaged in local party activities, community service, or policy advocacy, the public can more easily trust their sincerity and intentions.
Some may argue that this proposal is exclusionary or undemocratic. However, democracy does not mean the absence of structure. Every institution must have rules to protect its integrity. Political parties must retain the right to control who flies their flags and under what conditions. Just as academic institutions have minimum admission requirements, political parties must have thresholds that ensure their candidates reflect their values and vision.
Furthermore, nothing stops an individual who does not meet the 4-year threshold from contesting as an independent candidate, where such provisions exist or are enabled through future electoral reform.
To actualize this proposal, the National Assembly must consider introducing amendments to the Electoral Act that set out minimum party membership duration as a qualification criterion for contesting elections under a party platform. In tandem, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) can establish regulatory guidelines to monitor compliance.
Moreover, political parties themselves must revisit their constitutions at national conventions to incorporate this clause. It will demonstrate a commitment to party discipline, ideological consistency, and internal democracy.
In conclusion, the lack of accountability in Nigeria’s political party system is one of the reasons for the stagnation in governance and the erosion of public trust. By allowing unknown, untested individuals to contest under party platforms, parties betray their loyal base and the public at large.

The time has come to institutionalize a reform that prioritizes credibility over convenience . A 4-year party membership requirement before contesting elections is not just a procedural tweak, it is a necessary evolution that will encourage seriousness, loyalty, and integrity within Nigeria’s political system.
Parties must be able to say, with confidence, “We know this person. We have worked with him or her for years. We can attest to their character, commitment, and capacity.”
Democracy must be built on structures that encourage merit, loyalty, and accountability not on a game of musical chairs where the loudest or wealthiest player wins. The future of Nigeria depends on the choices we make today to strengthen our institutions. This is one such choice.

Ifedolapo Esan, Esq.
A lawyer, Educationist and Passive Politician in Ibadan and Abuja.