NDC exempts Peter Obi, Kwankwaso from anti-defection oath for 2027 ticket

Party says oath targets lawmakers, not presidential candidates, to curb post-election defections.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has exempted its 2027 presidential candidate Peter Obi and running mate Rabiu Kwankwaso from a new anti-defection oath requirement, saying the measure is aimed at lawmakers rather than top-of-ticket candidates.

NDC National Secretary Ikenna Enekweizu disclosed the exemption Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television’s _Politics Today_.

—Oath rooted in party constitution—

Enekweizu said the anti-defection affidavit is provided for in the NDC constitution to discourage elected officials from switching parties after winning elections.

“Within NDC, the decision to make people sign that affidavit is provided for in our constitution,” he said. “Political parties are voluntary associations whose members are expected to abide by their constitutions and decisions taken by duly constituted party organs.”

–‘Presidential ticket exempted administratively—

Although the constitution requires all candidates to sign the oath, Enekweizu said the party leadership took an administrative decision to exclude Obi and Kwankwaso.

“The constitution says everybody running under the platform of the party has to sign, but the party has taken the administrative decision that those required to sign in this instance do not include the presidential candidate and his vice,” he stated.

—Focus on National, State Assembly members—

According to Enekweizu, the policy targets National and State Assembly members, who have historically defected after securing office.

“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,” he added.

He said the measure is meant to protect the party’s structure and prevent politicians from using the NDC as an electoral vehicle before switching allegiance post-election.

US, Iran release 14-point peace framework to end hostilities

—Defection trend in Nigerian politics—

Political defections remain a recurring feature of Nigeria’s democracy, with elected officials often changing parties after elections due to internal disputes, ideological shifts or realignments. Several parties have responded with stricter internal rules to enforce loyalty.

NDC said it remains committed to building a stable political institution anchored on loyalty, discipline and long-term cohesion as it prepares for the 2027 elections.