The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has issued an edict against members of the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements, warning that the party will not operate as a personality-driven political platform.
The Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements are led by the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the party’s vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, respectively.
In a strongly-worded statement on Sunday night, the NDC said it was determined to build a sustainable political institution founded on party supremacy, internal discipline, and transparency rather than on the influence of individual politicians.
The party announced the introduction of strict financial accountability measures requiring candidates to fully disclose campaign funds received and spent during elections.
The NDC also declared that campaign funds for presidential, governorship and other elections must be channelled through official party campaign accounts to ensure transparency and proper oversight.
Osa Director, the party’s national secretary, noted that the developments arose from the resolutions made at the NDC’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
“The NDC is being built as an institution, not a personality cult, political movement, or Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to be used and discarded,” the party said.
It added that members, aspirants and elected officials must demonstrate total loyalty to the party and place the national interest above personal ambitions.
The NDC further declared that monies sourced by candidates and contributions made to campaign accounts must be fully disclosed to the party at the local government, state, zonal and national levels.
“For candidates, there must also be strict accountability for all funding received. Monies sourced by candidates at all levels, and contributions made by candidates to campaign accounts, must be fully disclosed to the party at the appropriate levels (local government, state, zonal, and national),” it added.
The party also directed that all funds raised by candidates for campaigns must be disclosed to the party and managed through designated party campaign accounts.
“Such funds must be received through dedicated party campaign accounts, including presidential and governorship campaign accounts of the party, as applicable,” the NDC said.
The NDC also affirmed the supremacy of party structures, insisting that individuals elected into government on its platform must consult the party before making major policy decisions and appointments, except for personal staff appointments.
“The programs, policies, and appointments (except personal staff) of all governments elected on the platform of the party must be made in consultation with the party structure. The party remains supreme, and members are expected to align their personal interests and agendas with those of the party,” it added.
The NDC further directed that all affiliated groups and non-governmental organisations associated with the party must operate under its supervision and not function independently of its structures.
The party also announced plans to introduce a comprehensive code of conduct for officials and candidates, adding that a committee headed by the party’s national legal adviser has been established to develop the framework.
The NDC urged members to remain committed to building a strong institution capable of enduring beyond current political contests and serving future generations.
It further announced the NEC’s inauguration of a National Reconciliation Committee (NRC) to engage aggrieved members and strengthen unity within the party.