NDC Introduces Anti-Defection Oath for Candidates

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has implemented an anti-defection policy aimed at preventing elected officials from abandoning their parties for electoral gain. This policy mandates that all governorship and National Assembly candidates sign an indemnity affidavit pledging to vacate their seats if they defect.

However, presidential candidate Peter Obi and vice-presidential candidate Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso are exempt from this requirement.

The policy was unveiled on Tuesday at the party's national secretariat in Abuja. NDC's director of new media strategy, Theo Agada, clarified that the exemption reflects the party's trust in both candidates.

NDC's national chairman, Mose Cleopa, emphasized the importance of party supremacy and internal discipline, noting the negative impact of defection on political culture. The party aims to build a strong institutional framework to prevent what they term "political prostitution" among members.

Legal advisor Reuben Egwuaba stated that political parties are voluntary associations governed by internal rules, reinforcing the need for compliance with the new policy.