PDP to Make Candidates Sign Anti-Defection Undertaking- Turaki

The Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party has introduced fresh measures aimed at preventing candidates from abandoning the party after obtaining its tickets for the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Wednesday, Chairman of the PDP Interim National Working Committee, Tanimu Turaki, said the party would no longer tolerate situations where candidates secure nominations through the PDP and later move to rival political parties.

According to him, all candidates whose names will be forwarded to the Independent National Electoral Commission for the 2027 elections will be required to sign undertakings committing themselves to remain loyal to the party. The move, he explained, is part of efforts to protect the party’s mandate and strengthen internal discipline ahead of the next election cycle.

Turaki made the disclosure during the presentation of Certificates of Return to 21 governorship candidates who emerged from the party’s nomination process.

He said the PDP has completed its nomination exercises across the country and is fully prepared for the 2027 general elections. The party leadership believes the new requirement will discourage defections and ensure that candidates remain committed to the platform that sponsored their ambitions.

The PDP leader noted that the party has learned from past experiences where candidates and elected officials left for other political parties after benefiting from its support. He said the leadership is determined to prevent a repeat of such situations.

Turaki also disclosed that the party carried out detailed background checks and security screenings on aspirants before approving their candidacies. According to him, the screening process was designed to identify potential legal, ethical and integrity concerns that could affect the party in the future.

He stated that the measures form part of broader efforts to strengthen the party’s structures and improve accountability among candidates seeking elective positions under the PDP banner.
The development comes as political parties continue preparations for the 2027 elections, with the PDP leadership seeking to build a more stable and disciplined organisation ahead of the nationwide polls.