The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has confirmed that its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, will not be required to sign the party’s newly introduced anti-defection oath, despite the provision applying to other candidates contesting on its platform.
The party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu, disclosed this during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday.
Defending the policy, Enekweizu said the loyalty oath is rooted in the party’s constitution and was introduced to curb the growing trend of politicians abandoning the parties that sponsored their elections.
He rejected claims that the measure violates constitutional rights, arguing that political parties, like other voluntary associations, are entitled to establish rules that members agree to follow.
“Anyone who joins the party is bound by its constitution and decisions taken by its duly constituted authorities,” he said.
While acknowledging that the party’s constitution requires all candidates to sign the anti-defection affidavit, Enekweizu said the NDC had taken an administrative decision to exempt Obi and Kwankwaso.
“The constitution says everybody running on the platform of the party should sign, but the party has decided that the presidential candidate and his running mate will not be covered in this instance,” he explained.
According to him, the policy is primarily aimed at lawmakers rather than those seeking executive offices.
“Our concern is not the president or governors. The focus is on members of the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly who often leave the platform that brought them into office,” he said.
The NDC recently unveiled the anti-defection oath as part of efforts to strengthen party discipline and prevent the loss of elected officials to rival parties after elections.
Party leaders argue that repeated defections have weakened political institutions and undermined voter confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Enekweizu said the NDC is determined to build a stable political structure and would not allow politicians to treat the party merely as an electoral vehicle before moving elsewhere once elected.
The clarification comes amid growing debate over the legality and practicality of anti-defection measures, particularly as parties prepare for the political realignments expected ahead of the 2027 general election.
