NDC Introduces Anti-Defection Pact, Compels Candidates to Resign Seats if They Dump Party

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has introduced a new anti-defection policy requiring all candidates contesting elections on its platform to sign legal undertakings committing to relinquish their seats if they abandon the party after winning elections.

The policy, unveiled at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, includes affidavit and indemnity documents designed to enforce loyalty among elected officials and protect the party’s electoral mandates.

NDC National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, said the initiative was aimed at strengthening party discipline and preventing elected representatives from switching allegiance after securing victory under the party’s platform.

According to him, the move became necessary due to the growing trend of politicians defecting to other parties, particularly the ruling party, after winning elections.

Cleopas said the party intends to uphold the principle of party supremacy and ensure that elected officials remain committed to the platform through which they received their mandates.

He cited the experience of the , where some elected members reportedly left the party after securing electoral victories under its banner.

Party mandates belong to parties, not individuals — Legal Adviser

NDC National Legal Adviser, Reuben Egwuaba, defended the policy, arguing that political parties are voluntary associations governed by rules and agreements accepted by their members.

Egwuaba maintained that electoral victories are achieved through collective efforts of political parties and therefore mandates should not be treated as the personal property of individual candidates.

He said the affidavit and indemnity forms would serve as a commitment mechanism to ensure that elected officials remain faithful to the party’s ideology and programmes throughout their tenure.

The NDC said the anti-defection measure would apply to aspirants seeking presidential, governorship, National Assembly and other elective positions under its platform.