Nigeria, April 24 -- In saner political climes, party defection is typically a rare event, one driven by a clash of ideas, conscience, or a principled stance on governance. Politicians in developed democracies often cross the aisle because they disagree with their party's policy direction or seek a better platform to serve their constituents based on deeply held ideological beliefs. But in Nigeria, defection has become a career strategy, an open market for the highest bidder, and a shameful display of selfish ambition. The principles of party loyalty, ideological commitment, or even the dignity of public service have been thrown out the window. Instead, what we see is a political class whose only guiding star is personal gain.

The recent...