Nigeria Democratic Congress Implements Anti-Defection Policy for Candidates

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has introduced an anti-defection policy requiring candidates for governorship, the National Assembly, and other elective offices to sign legal affidavits. Under this mandate, candidates commit to vacating their positions if they leave the party after securing an electoral victory. National Publicity Secretary Osa Director stated the policy is enshrined in Article 16 of the party constitution and is intended to discourage political opportunism.

While the policy aims to reinforce party supremacy, the NDC leadership made an administrative decision to exempt its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso. National Secretary Ikenna Enekweizu explained that the measure specifically targets national and state assembly members who frequently defect after elections. The move drew criticism from Sam Amadi of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, who argued the party cannot lawfully prevent members from decamping under certain constitutional exceptions.

Internal friction emerged following the Federal Capital Territory senatorial primary, where activist Aisha Yesufu lost her bid. Despite efforts by party leader Seriake Dickson and a preference from Peter Obi for her to run for the House of Representatives, Yesufu declined the lower office and urged supporters to focus exclusively on the 2027 presidential election. Additionally, the NDC recently disowned unauthorized candidate lists for states including Imo and Abia, confirming that authentic lists had been submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission.