The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared its position concerning the frequent defection of politicians across parties as well as the merger of political parties in the country.

The Oyo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr Mutiu Agboke on Wednesday stated that the defection by politicians was in order within the ambit of the Commission’s guidelines.Fielding questions from journalists in Ibadan, the state capital, Agboke added that the electoral body had no restriction against two or more political parties coming together, subject to their agreement to merge and foster a common front.


He said the commission was only interested in healthy rivalry among political parties and allowing the people to make informed political choices during electioneering periods.

His words: “The commission does not want a situation where an individual or group is compelling people to go in a particular direction because doing this will be a very bad development for Nigeria’s democratic process.


“Compelling people to go to a particular political party would not be healthy for the 2019 general elections. Whatever INEC and political parties do must fall within the extant law.”