The Coalition of All Civil Society Organisations in Ondo State (CACSOD) has condemned the mass defection of the remaining Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers in the state House of Assembly to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the development as a serious threat to democracy and good governance.
The two lawmakers, who represented the last opposition presence in the 26-member Assembly, officially joined the ruling APC on Thursday, effectively turning the state legislature into a one-party chamber.
In a statement jointly signed by its chairman, Alo Martins, and secretary, Ayomide Jayeiola, on Saturday in Akure, CACSOD said the situation was “an unhealthy development that kills democratic checks and balances.”
“A democratic system without an effective opposition is a democracy in name only,” the coalition said. “Opposition lawmakers are essential for checks and balances, rigorous policy debates, and oversight of the executive arm. When the legislature becomes a one-party chamber, it risks degenerating into a rubber stamp.”
The group warned that the defection eroded accountability and weakened legislative independence, adding that the lawmakers’ decision was a “betrayal of public trust.”
According to CACSOD, the legislators were elected based on the PDP’s ideology and manifesto, and their mid-term defection without resignation violated the social contract with their constituents.
“Voters who elected opposition candidates now find themselves represented by the ruling party without their consent. Such political opportunism undermines elections and erodes citizens’ confidence in democracy,” the group stated.
CACSOD urged the National Assembly and the Constitution Review Committee to strengthen the constitutional provisions against defection, particularly Section 109(1)(g), which governs the tenure of state lawmakers.
The coalition also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be empowered to conduct immediate by-elections whenever lawmakers switch parties mid-term, insisting that defectors should automatically lose their seats.
While expressing concern that Ondo’s legislature could now function as a “rubber stamp,” CACSOD urged civil society groups and citizens to remain vigilant and continue to demand transparency and accountability in governance.
“Power corrupts when it goes unchecked,” the statement added. “Democracy thrives only when dissenting voices are allowed to question, challenge, and hold leaders accountable.”
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