Why Peter Obi and Kwankwaso Were Exempted From NDC’s New Rule

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The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has disclosed that its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, will not be required to sign the party’s recently introduced anti-defection affidavit.

The disclosure was made on Wednesday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu, during an appearance on Channels Television’s programme, Politics Today.

Enekweizu defended the policy, insisting that it is lawful and consistent with the principles governing voluntary political associations. He explained that party members are expected to abide by the rules and constitutional provisions guiding the organisation.

He also rejected claims that the policy contradicts the nation’s constitution, maintaining that the affidavit requirement is firmly rooted in the NDC’s internal constitution.

According to him, the party leadership exercised its administrative powers to exempt its presidential and vice-presidential candidates from the obligation.

“The constitution says everybody running under the platform of the party has to sign, but the party has taken the administrative decision that those required to sign in this instance do not include the presidential candidate and his vice,” Enekweizu stated.

The party spokesman further clarified that the policy is primarily aimed at elected lawmakers who secure mandates on the party’s platform but later defect to other political parties after assuming office.

“Our main focus is not the governor; it’s not the president, it’s the national and state assembly members elected on the platform of our party,” he added.

He stressed that the NDC is determined to build a strong and enduring political institution and will resist attempts by politicians to use the party merely as a vehicle to gain elective positions before moving elsewhere.

Recall that the NDC recently introduced the anti-defection measure as part of efforts to address the growing trend of elected officials abandoning the parties that sponsored their elections, a practice party leaders say undermines political stability and erodes public trust in the democratic process.

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