Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has clarified that its presidential candidate Peter Obi and running mate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso were exempted from the party’s new anti-defection oath because the measure targets mainly legislative candidates.
NDC National Secretary Ikenna Enekweizu said the requirement applies primarily to those vying for National Assembly and state assembly seats, not presidential or vice-presidential positions.
“Although the party’s constitution stipulates that all candidates running on its platform should sign the affidavit, the leadership made an administrative decision to exempt Obi and Kwankwaso from the process,” Enekweizu explained.
He noted that the policy was introduced to tackle the wave of defections that plagued parties after the 2023 elections, particularly legislators who switched platforms shortly after winning.
“Our focus is on members of the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly who get elected on the party’s platform and defect within a short period,” he said.
Enekweizu described the anti-defection pledge as a protective mechanism to strengthen party loyalty and build an enduring institution.
He acknowledged potential concerns about freedom of association but insisted the move aims to prevent politicians from using the party solely as a vehicle to win elections before jumping ship.
The NDC recently rolled out the policy to promote discipline ahead of the 2027 polls.
