NDC Shields Peter Obi, Kwankwaso from Anti-Defection Oath

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has recently introduced a new anti-defection oath, a significant measure aimed at addressing the prevalent issue of political instability caused by elected officials abandoning their sponsoring parties. This initiative is part of a broader effort to protect the party's institutional integrity, strengthen opposition parties, and prevent politicians from treating party platforms as mere temporary vehicles for ascending to public office. The growing trend of defections has been identified as a critical factor weakening political organizations and altering political balances across the country.

Ikenna Enekweizu, who serves as both the National Secretary and National Spokesman for the NDC, publicly defended the legality and constitutional basis of this measure during an interview on Channels Television's 'Politics Today'. Enekweizu clarified that the requirement for candidates to sign this loyalty pledge is explicitly provided for within the party's internal rules and constitution. He argued that political parties, like all voluntary associations, possess the inherent right to establish binding rules for their members, and individuals who join the party voluntarily subject themselves to its constitutional provisions. Furthermore, he firmly dismissed any criticisms suggesting that the oath infringes upon constitutional rights, reiterating that the party's constitution fully backs the affidavit requirement.

Despite the constitutional provision mandating all candidates running on the party's platform to sign the oath, a notable administrative decision has been made to exempt the NDC's presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his vice-presidential running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, from this requirement. Enekweizu explicitly stated, "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." This administrative discretion highlights a specific strategic focus for the party.

The primary concern and target of this anti-defection policy, as explained by Enekweizu, are not the executive office holders such as the president or governors. Instead, the NDC's main focus is on national and state assembly members who are frequently elected on the party's platform only to defect to rival political movements shortly after taking office. The party is committed to building a lasting and durable political institution, actively working to prevent politicians from exploiting its platform as a temporary stepping stone. This measure underscores the NDC's dedication to ensuring loyalty and stability among its elected representatives, thereby reinforcing voter confidence and the party's long-term viability.