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In a democratic system, individuals have the right to associate with any political party of their choice. This right is enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, and it guarantees the freedom of political association to every citizen of the country.
Recently, there have been efforts to call back Halliru Dauda Jika, a former member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi state, who left the party to pitch his tent with the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) ahead of the 2023 general elections. Reliable sources close to Jika said he decamped from the APC because he felt he deserved the party’s governorship ticket, having funded the party since 2019.
However, it should be noted that the call back efforts are unnecessary and uncalled for since the person in question has the constitutional right to be in any political party he so desires. Jika has the right to leave the APC and join another party, just as he now has the right to rejoin the party as an ordinary member.
It is crucial to understand that political parties are voluntary associations that individuals join based on their beliefs, ideologies, and interests. Therefore, the decision to join or leave a political party is a personal choice that should be respected by everyone.
The call back movement seems to be driven by people who were likely his supporters while in the APC. However, if these people truly believe in the ideology of the APC, then they should work towards strengthening the party by promoting its values and ideals.
The constitutional right to political association should be respected by all, and call back movements should cease, especially when they are unnecessary and uncalled for. Political parties should focus on strengthening their values and ideals, and individuals should be free to join or leave any party without fear of persecution or intimidation.
Mukhtar Jarmajo,
Wuse Zone 2, Abuja.
