David Zacharias’ Defection: A Political Quest for Liberation and Continuity
Ahiaba Douglas,Abuja
The Member Representing the good people of the Idah/Ibaji/Igalamela/Ofu Federal Constituency, Honourable David Zacharias’ recent resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and subsequent movement to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has generated considerable debate among constituents, political stakeholders and observers within the constituency.
While some members of the APC political family have condemned the decision, describing it as selfish, a betrayal and a disservice to the party, there is another perspective that deserves serious consideration. Against the backdrop of the intrigues surrounding the recently concluded APC primaries, Honourable Zacharias’ decision can reasonably be viewed as an attempt to reclaim his political destiny and continue the representation he believes is in the best interest of his constituents.
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Reports and observations from within the constituency suggest that the APC primary process was affected by political interests, godfatherism and alleged external interference. If the outcome of the exercise did not reflect the preferences of significant segments of party leaders and members in the constituency, then it becomes understandable why an incumbent lawmaker would explore an alternative political platform rather than abandon his political ambition altogether.
For Kogi East, the issue goes beyond the political future of one individual. The senatorial district has, for years, expressed concerns about political marginalisation and limited influence within the state’s political structure. A third-term victory for some National Assembly members could have provided an opportunity for greater continuity and potentially positioned experienced legislators for principal positions in the forthcoming Eleventh National Assembly.
Unfortunately, the political circumstances surrounding the APC primaries appear to have put that possibility under considerable pressure. The uncertainty surrounding the political future of Distinguished Senator Isah Jibrin Echocho, who is also seeking a third term, further demonstrates that the consequences of the current political realignment extend beyond one constituency.
Viewed from this perspective, Honourable David Zacharias’ defection should not be interpreted solely as an act of disloyalty to the APC. It can equally be understood as a political response to circumstances that he and his supporters consider unfavourable.
In a democracy, political parties are vehicles through which individuals pursue public service, and politicians, like voters, retain the right to make choices based on their political convictions and perceived interests of their constituents.
More importantly, Honourable Zacharias is not a newcomer to grassroots politics. His two terms in the House of Representatives have given him considerable experience and visibility within the Idah/Ibaji/Igalamela/Ofu Federal Constituency. His supporters point to various projects, interventions and empowerment initiatives as evidence of his commitment to grassroots development and constituency representation.
For them, his decision to seek another term is therefore not simply about retaining a political position. It is about consolidating what they regard as the gains of his representation and ensuring continuity in projects and initiatives that directly affect the people.
His movement to the PDP should consequently be seen through the broader lens of political choice, representation and the quest for greater autonomy. It represents, in the eyes of his supporters, a rejection of political godfatherism and external control and an attempt to give the people of the constituency a stronger voice in determining who represents them.
Ultimately, however, the final verdict belongs to the people of Idah/Ibaji/Igalamela/Ofu Federal Constituency. Political parties may produce candidates, political actors may influence processes, and observers may offer their interpretations, but it is the electorate that will determine whether Honourable David Zacharias deserves another mandate.
His defection may attract criticism from some quarters, but it can also be understood as a calculated political decision born out of a desire for political independence, continuity and what his supporters consider to be the best interest of his constituents.
Rather than viewing the development exclusively as a betrayal, it is worth asking a more fundamental question: does the decision give the people of Idah/Ibaji/Igalamela/Ofu a broader opportunity to choose the representative they want, free from external political pressures?
That, ultimately, is the essence of democracy—and it is now left to the people to decide.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, AUGUST 26TH 2026)
