The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has clarified that its recently introduced anti-defection oath will not apply to the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Speaking on a national television, the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu, explained that the affidavit is primarily targeted at candidates seeking election into the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.
According to him, although the party’s constitution requires candidates to sign the oath, the NDC has taken an administrative decision to exempt its presidential and vice-presidential candidates.
Enekweizu said the move was designed to address the growing trend of lawmakers defecting from the political parties that sponsored their elections shortly after assuming office.
He noted that the party’s main concern is with legislators who secure electoral victories under its platform only to switch allegiance to other parties within a short period.
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According to him, the decision was informed by experiences following the 2023 elections, during which several lawmakers elected on the platform of the Labour Party later defected to other political parties.
He described the anti-defection measure as a self-preservation strategy aimed at strengthening party loyalty and institutional stability.
The NDC secretary argued that the party is seeking to build a durable political institution rather than serving merely as a vehicle for winning elections.
He stressed that the objective is to discourage politicians from using the party as a platform for electoral success before abandoning it for other political interests.
The party believes the policy will help curb political defections and strengthen internal party cohesion as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.