Nigeria Democratic Congress has exempted Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso from its new anti-defection oath, while enforcing the pledge on lawmakers to curb post-election defections and build party stability ahead of 2027

The Nigeria Democratic Congress exempted its presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, from the party’s newly introduced anti-defection oath.

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The party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu, disclosed the decision during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme.

He explained that while the NDC constitution requires all candidates to sign the oath, the leadership had taken an administrative step to exclude the presidential ticket.

Enekweizu described political parties as voluntary associations whose members must abide by their rules. “Within NDC, the decision to make people sign that affidavit is provided for in our constitution,” he said.

The measure targets frequent defections by national and state assembly members after elections. “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,” Enekweizu added.

The policy requires candidates to commit through indemnity and affidavit forms to vacate their seats should they defect after winning on the NDC platform.

It aims to safeguard the party’s structure and prevent it from being used merely as a springboard to office.

This development follows Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso’s recent alignment with the NDC, part of broader opposition realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Defections have long plagued Nigeria’s political landscape, often destabilising parties and weakening legislative cohesion.

Observers note that similar internal mechanisms have been attempted by other parties in the past, with varying success, as legal enforceability ultimately rests with the courts and the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Enekweizu emphasised the party’s commitment to fostering discipline and long-term cohesion.

The exemption for the presidential candidates has sparked discussion, with some viewing it as pragmatic recognition of their stature, while others question consistency in applying party rules.

The move comes as the NDC seeks to position itself as a credible alternative, learning from past experiences of prominent figures leaving after securing mandates.

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Party leaders believe the targeted approach on lawmakers will help build a more stable institution capable of sustaining loyalty through future electoral cycles.