NDC Mandates Anti-Defection Forms for Candidates

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has introduced a new policy requiring its governorship and National and State Assembly candidates to sign anti-defection forms. This initiative, unveiled by the party's National Chairman, Mose Cleopa, at the party's national secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday, aims to discourage political migration among elected members.

Cleopa emphasized that the policy is not a witch hunt but a measure to protect the sanctity of electoral mandates. Candidates who abandon the party platform after winning elections will be required to vacate their seats.

The NDC's policy is designed to ensure that candidates clearly accept the conditions of contesting elections on the party's platform. Cleopa referenced the need for stricter internal safeguards, particularly in light of recent political realignments.

He cited provisions from the 1999 Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights to support the policy. The NDC aims to reinforce its moral standing against opportunistic defections and ensure that any candidate wishing to leave the party must relinquish their mandate.