NDC exempts Obi, Kwankwaso from anti-defection oath
NDC Exempts Obi, Kwankwaso from Anti-Defection Oath
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has decided to exempt its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, from an anti-defection oath recently implemented by the party. This measure is intended to deter elected officials from abandoning the party following electoral victories.
Ikenna Enekweizu, the NDC’s National Secretary, announced the exemption during a Wednesday interview on Channels Television’s “Politics Today.” He defended the anti-defection policy against criticisms suggesting it may violate constitutional provisions.
Enekweizu stated that the requirement for candidates to pledge loyalty through the oath is grounded in the party’s constitution. He noted that the measure aims to protect the NDC from the wave of defections that has historically weakened various political parties in Nigeria.
“A political party functions similarly to any other association; all members adhere to the party’s constitution and decisions made by its properly constituted authorities,” Enekweizu explained. He further dismissed claims that the measure is unconstitutional, asserting that members of voluntary associations must comply with the governing rules.
While acknowledging the party’s constitutional stipulation that all candidates on its platform must sign the oath, Enekweizu clarified that an administrative decision was made to exclude Obi and Kwankwaso from this obligation. “The constitution requires everyone running under the party’s platform to sign, but we have decided that, in this instance, the presidential candidate and his vice are not included,” he said.
Enekweizu emphasized that the NDC’s primary focus is on lawmakers elected to the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly who often switch parties shortly after assuming office. “Our main concern is not with governors or presidents, but with national and state assembly members elected on our party’s platform,” he asserted.
The NDC recently introduced the anti-defection measure to safeguard its institutional integrity, recognizing the detrimental impact of elected officials defecting from their original parties after elections. Enekweizu affirmed the party’s commitment to establishing a lasting political institution and preventing its use as merely a vehicle for electoral success.
