The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has introduced a new anti-defection policy that requires all candidates contesting elections on its platform to sign legal documents committing to vacate their seats if they leave the party after winning.
The policy was announced during a ceremony at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, where officials unveiled indemnity and affidavit forms for aspirants ahead of future elections.
According to the party’s National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, the rule will apply to all elective positions, including the presidency, governorship, National Assembly, and other offices contested under the NDC banner.
He said the move is aimed at strengthening party discipline and discouraging politicians from using a party’s platform to win elections and later defect to other parties.
Cleopas explained that the decision was adopted during the party’s National Executive Committee meeting, where members agreed that elected officials must remain loyal to the party that sponsored their victory.
He noted that in recent years, some politicians have abandoned their parties after securing electoral wins, weakening opposition structures and undermining party stability.
Also speaking, the party’s National Legal Adviser, Reuben Egwuaba, defended the policy, saying political parties operate as voluntary associations with rules that members are expected to follow.
He added that under the constitution, political parties play a central role in electoral victories, meaning mandates are tied to the party platform rather than individuals alone.
The party said the new affidavit and indemnity requirements are designed to ensure loyalty, strengthen internal discipline, and prevent post-election defections.
