The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has clarified that its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, will not be required to sign the party’s newly introduced anti-defection oath.
NDC National Spokesman Ikenna Enekweizu disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Wednesday. He defended the party’s decision while addressing questions about the policy’s legality.
Enekweizu emphasised that political parties are voluntary associations whose members must adhere to internal rules and the party’s constitution. He dismissed claims that the oath contravenes Nigeria’s constitution, insisting it is fully supported by the NDC’s own constitutional provisions.
“The constitution says everybody running under the platform of the party has to sign, but the party has taken the administrative decision that those required to sign in this instance do not include the presidential candidate and his vice,” Enekweizu stated.
He explained that the leadership exercised its discretion to exempt the party’s top standard-bearers. According to him, the main goal of the anti-defection policy is to target lawmakers at the national and state assembly levels, rather than executives like presidents or governors.
“Our main focus is not the governor; it’s not the president, it’s the national and state assembly members elected on the platform of our party,” he added.
The spokesman said the measure aims to build a strong and durable political institution by preventing politicians from using the NDC as a mere stepping stone to win elections before defecting to other parties.
The NDC introduced the anti-defection policy recently, requiring candidates to sign indemnity and affidavit forms committing to vacate their seats if they leave the party after winning elections. This move seeks to curb the frequent defections that party leaders argue erode public trust and weaken political structures.
This development comes amid preparations for future elections, with the NDC positioning itself as a party that prioritises internal discipline and long-term loyalty.
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