ABSTRACT

This paper examines carpet crossing in the contemporary Nigerian political landscape with a view to establishing its effect on democratic consolidation. Recent trend of events and existing literature show that carpet crossing is incessant and has become an established political culture in Nigeria, with politicians moving from one party to another without genuine reasons or remorse. The paper sought to establish the reasons why politicians carpet cross and investigates the implications of carpet-crossing on the political landscape of Nigeria. Using the descriptive survey design and by adopting Rational Action Theory in its analysis, the paper argues that Nigerian politicians are more concerned about themselves and they carpet cross in a bid to satisfy their political ambitions and self-interests and this has impacted negatively on Nigerian democratic consolidation. The study concludes that carpet crossing has become ridiculous to the country’s political landscape and has contributed to the weakening of political parties and the opposition. This fosters unstable democratic structures and has generally contributed to the retarded growth and development of the country. Finally, the study recommends that Nigeria needs good and selfless leaders, who are able to stay focused to engage in politics.