The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has reportedly exempted its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, from signing the party’s controversial anti-defection oath despite introducing the policy for other candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The anti-defection policy, unveiled at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, requires candidates contesting elective positions on the NDC platform to sign indemnity forms and sworn affidavits committing to vacate their seats if they defect from the party after winning elections.
According to the party, the measure was introduced to curb the growing trend of defections that has weakened opposition parties in recent years and to protect mandates secured under its platform.
Speaking on the policy, NDC National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, said elected officials should remain loyal to the platform that supported their emergence and should not abandon the party after benefiting from its structure and support.
However, reports that Obi and Kwankwaso who recently joined the party and now lead its 2027 presidential ticket are exempt from the requirement have generated reactions within political circles, with some questioning whether the party is applying different standards to its top candidates.
The NDC has defended the broader policy, maintaining that electoral mandates belong to both the party and the voters rather than individual office holders.
