NDC Exempts Obi, Kwankwaso From Anti-Defection Oath Requirement

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has exempted its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, from a newly introduced party rule requiring candidates to sign an anti-defection oath.

The party's National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu, disclosed this during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television, explaining that the policy was designed to curb the growing trend of elected officials defecting from the parties under which they were elected.

According to Enekweizu, although the anti-defection oath is backed by the NDC constitution, the party made an administrative decision to waive the requirement for its presidential ticket.

He stated that the primary target of the policy is not the presidential or governorship candidates, but members of the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly elected on the platform of the party.

"Our primary focus is not the governor or the president, but rather the national and state assembly members elected on the platform of our party," Enekweizu said.

He noted that frequent defections by lawmakers have continued to undermine opposition parties and weaken their ability to effectively represent the interests of their supporters.

The NDC secretary explained that the anti-defection measure is aimed at protecting the party's structure and discouraging politicians from using the party merely as an electoral platform before switching allegiance after securing victory at the polls.

Enekweizu emphasized that the party remains committed to promoting stability, discipline, and long-term cohesion within its ranks as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria's democratic process and build a more resilient opposition.