The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has introduced a strict anti-defection policy requiring all its candidates seeking elective offices to sign indemnity and affidavit forms pledging to vacate their positions if they leave the party after winning elections. The policy, unveiled at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, is expected to affect key figures on the NDC platform, including presidential candidate Peter Obi, his running mate Rabiu Kwankwaso, and other high-profile politicians who recently joined the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking at the event, NDC National Chairman Moses Cleopas said the measure was designed to protect the party’s mandate, strengthen internal discipline, and uphold what he described as party supremacy. He argued that many politicians often win elections on a party’s platform only to abandon it later for personal or political reasons. Cleopas said the decision was influenced by the experiences of opposition parties, particularly the Labour Party, which lost several elected members after the 2023 elections. According to him, such defections weakened the party and highlighted the need for stronger safeguards.
He stressed that while joining the NDC remains voluntary, anyone seeking office under its banner must agree to abide by its rules. Under the policy, candidates who defect after winning elections would be expected to relinquish the mandates obtained through the party. The NDC chairman said the legal documents prepared for candidates were intended to ensure loyalty, promote accountability, and guarantee the party’s long-term stability. He maintained that the process was lawful and aimed at testing the commitment of aspirants.
Also defending the policy, the party’s National Legal Adviser, Reuben Egwuaba, said political parties are voluntary organisations governed by rules accepted by their members. He argued that electoral mandates belong to political parties rather than individual candidates, even after they are sworn into office.Notably absent from the ceremony were several top party figures, including Obi, Kwankwaso, and other senior members.
The move is widely viewed as an effort by the NDC to avoid the fate of opposition parties that have seen elected officials defect to rival platforms shortly after elections. The policy could have significant implications for some of the party’s leading figures, many of whom have switched political parties multiple times. Obi has previously belonged to APGA, PDP, Labour Party, ADC and now the NDC, while Kwankwaso has moved between PDP, APC, NNPP, ADC and the NDC. Former Adamawa governorship candidate Aishatu Binani, who recently joined the NDC after leaving the APC and later the ADC, is also among those likely to be affected by the new rule.
Source: https://punchng.com/
