The Nigeria Democratic Congress has exempted its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, from a newly introduced anti-defection oath designed to strengthen party discipline ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The policy was unveiled as part of broader efforts by the party to prevent elected officials from abandoning the platform after securing electoral victories.
Under the arrangement, governorship candidates, National Assembly aspirants, and other contestants seeking elective offices on the party’s platform will be required to sign indemnity and affidavit forms.
The documents are intended to commit candidates to surrendering their mandates if they defect from the party after winning elections.
Party leaders explained that the initiative was introduced in response to growing concerns about political defections that have weakened several opposition parties in recent years.
According to the NDC leadership, the policy aims to preserve party cohesion and protect electoral mandates obtained through collective political efforts.
The decision to exempt Obi and Kwankwaso has generated discussion among political observers, with some questioning whether the exemption creates a different standard for the party’s top leadership.
Supporters of the policy, however, argue that the presidential ticket occupies a unique position within the party structure and should not be treated in the same manner as other elective offices.
The NDC leadership maintains that the anti-defection framework is necessary to address a recurring pattern in Nigerian politics where politicians switch parties after securing office.
Party officials also cited experiences from previous election cycles in which elected representatives left the platforms that sponsored them, thereby weakening party structures and reducing political influence.
The development comes as political parties continue to position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections through coalition-building, recruitment of prominent figures, and internal reforms.
Analysts believe that party discipline and candidate loyalty are likely to remain major issues as political alignments continue to evolve before the next general election.
With preparations for the 2027 polls gradually intensifying, the NDC’s latest policy signals a determination to maintain internal cohesion while presenting itself as a disciplined alternative within Nigeria’s political landscape.