The Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, has exempted its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, from a newly introduced anti-defection oath designed to prevent elected officials and party candidates from abandoning the party after securing electoral victories.
The development has sparked discussions within political circles, with party leaders defending the decision as a strategic move aimed at preserving the NDC’s broad-based coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The anti-defection oath, recently adopted by the party, requires candidates seeking elective offices on the NDC platform to formally commit to remaining loyal to the party and refrain from defecting to another political party during their tenure.
Party officials said the measure was introduced in response to Nigeria’s long history of political defections, which have often altered the balance of power in legislatures and weakened opposition parties.
However, in a notable exception, the party leadership excluded Messrs Obi and Kwankwaso from the requirement, citing their unique roles in the coalition-building process that led to the emergence of the NDC as a major opposition platform.
Sources within the party said the exemption was granted because both politicians joined the alliance through negotiations involving multiple political blocs and interest groups, making their circumstances different from those of other aspirants and candidates.
The decision is expected to generate mixed reactions among party members, with some viewing it as a practical political arrangement, while others may see it as creating a double standard within the party.
Political analysts note that both Messrs Obi and Kwankwaso command significant political followings across different regions of the country and are regarded as central figures in the opposition’s efforts to challenge the ruling party in the next general election.
The NDC leadership has maintained that the anti-defection policy remains an important safeguard against political instability and betrayal of the party’s mandate.
According to party insiders, all other candidates contesting elections on the NDC platform will be required to sign the oath before receiving final clearance from the party.
The move comes amid growing concerns among opposition parties over the increasing wave of defections that have reshaped Nigeria’s political landscape in recent years.
Supporters of the policy argue that it will strengthen party discipline, promote loyalty and ensure that elected officials remain committed to the programmes and ideals on which they campaigned.
Critics, however, contend that political loyalty should be built on trust, internal democracy and good leadership rather than written pledges.
With preparations for the 2027 elections gathering momentum, the NDC’s decision to exempt its two highest-profile candidates from the anti-defection oath is likely to remain a subject of debate within the party and the wider political arena.