NDC Exempts Peter Obi, Kwankwaso From Anti Defection Oath

NDC Exempts Peter Obi, Kwankwaso From Anti-Defection Oath

The Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC has exempted its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, from signing the party’s newly introduced anti-defection oath, which remains mandatory for other candidates within the party. The exemption was disclosed by party officials amid ongoing internal reforms aimed at strengthening discipline and reducing postelection defections within the political structure. The NDC said the oath was introduced to ensure loyalty and prevent elected officials from abandoning the platform after elections, describing defection as one of the major challenges weakening political parties in Nigeria’s democratic system. Party leaders also maintained that the policy is grounded in the party’s constitution and is designed to promote stability and accountability among office seekers. Despite the broad requirement, both Obi and Kwankwaso were excluded from the signing process, a move party officials say reflects their special status as the party’s presidential ticket holders. According to the party, the exemption does not weaken the policy but instead aligns with internal arrangements governing the presidential and vice-presidential candidacies. The decision has generated discussion among political observers, with questions raised over fairness, internal democracy, and whether selective exemptions could undermine the credibility of the anti-defection framework. Analysts note that the policy was originally designed to apply uniformly to all candidates, making the exemption of top-ticket holders a potentially contentious issue within party ranks. The development comes as the NDC continues to consolidate its structure ahead of future elections, positioning itself as a disciplined alternative in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape. Obi and Kwankwaso’s alliance remains one of the party’s most prominent political formations heading into the 2027 election cycle.