The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as the Pyrates Confraternity, has raised the alarm over the growing trend of political defections in Nigeria, warning that it poses a serious threat to the country’s democratic stability and effective governance.
Speaking at the 2025 edition of the Feast of Barracuda, organized by the NAS Vito Corsica Deck, members of the association and invited scholars delved into how frequent political cross-carpeting erodes institutional memory and undermines strategic governance in the country.
The event, themed around the dangers of political instability, drew the attention of thought leaders, academics, and public officials. It focused on how constant party switching by politicians disrupts long-term planning, weakens opposition structures, suppresses dissent, and diminishes public trust in democratic institutions.
Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, the Member representing Oshimili South in the Delta State House of Assembly, described the event as timely and impactful. She urged participants to engage deeply with the issues at hand, commending NAS for its continued contributions to the socio-political and moral fabric of Nigeria. “Your efforts have not gone unnoticed,” she said. “From social justice to civic advocacy, the Seadogs have always been a progressive force in our national development.”
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Ben Oghojafor, Vice-Chancellor of Dennis Osadebay University (DOU), Asaba, did not mince words. He identified political defections as a major obstacle to strategic experience-building within government institutions. “There is mounting evidence that these defections erode public trust, distort policy direction, and weaken democratic accountability,” Oghojafor said.
“Good governance thrives on stability, continuity, and the steady accumulation of knowledge. We must stop treating governance like a revolving door. Instead, we should build institutions that reward integrity, retain expertise, and prioritize national interest above personal ambition.”
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Kelvin Ezenyili, Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Area—represented by the Council’s Director of Legal Services, Barr. Ndidi Nwulu—called for the full implementation of fiscal autonomy at the grassroots level. He cited ongoing development projects across Delta State’s 25 local councils as evidence that local governments can deliver when empowered financially.
Earlier in the event, Comrade Michael Nwaidei, Capoon of Vito Corsica Deck, traced the history of the Feast of Barracuda (FoB), describing it as a civic tradition that brings together minds to dissect Nigeria’s most pressing challenges. “The Feast is not just symbolic,” Nwaidei said. “It’s a deliberate civic engagement tool that focuses on urgent national concerns—be it political instability, economic hardship, insecurity, or environmental decay. Each topic is carefully chosen to inspire reflection and spark action.”
With voices like these sounding the alarm, the Feast of Barracuda served not just as a gathering, but as a clarion call for ethical leadership, policy stability, and the safeguarding of Nigeria’s democratic future.