NDC Defends Loyalty Oath as Constitutional Measure
The National Secretary of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Ikenna Enekweizu, has defended the party’s decision to introduce a loyalty oath for its candidates. He insists the measure is constitutional and aims to curb defections by elected officials.
Enekweizu pointed out that, like any other association, a political party has the authority to establish internal rules that bind its members. He said every member who joins the party agrees to follow its constitution and the decisions of its properly constituted authorities.
Party Aims to Stop Legislator Defections
The NDC secretary cited legal precedent, noting that lawyers consider it “trite law” that members of any association must comply with its constitution. He added that the party can test the oath in court if needed, but for now it is learning from the mistakes of other parties.
The loyalty affidavit was recently unveiled to protect the party’s institutional integrity and ensure that elected officials remain loyal to the platform on which they won office. National Chairman Moses Cleopas said the decision came after repeated cases of politicians abandoning the parties that sponsored them into office.
Enekweizu echoed the chairman’s view, stating the NDC does not want to become merely a “special purpose vehicle” for winning elections. He emphasized the goal of building a lasting party where members do not abandon the platform immediately after victory.
Obi and Kwankwaso Exempted from Oath
While the party’s constitution requires everyone running under its banner to sign the affidavit, the NDC has made an administrative exception for its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Enekweizu explained that the party’s main concern lies with legislators who defect shortly after being elected, not with the presidential or gubernatorial tickets.
He highlighted the experience of the Labour Party after the 2023 general elections, when many lawmakers elected on that platform later defected to other parties. The NDC hopes its loyalty oath will prevent a similar scenario in future elections.
About the Author
