The Nigeria Democratic Congress has introduced fresh measures aimed at preventing elected officials from leaving the party after winning elections on its platform.
The new policy was announced during a ceremony at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, where officials presented affidavit and indemnity forms that aspirants and candidates will be required to sign ahead of future elections.
According to the party leadership, the rule will apply to all candidates seeking elective positions, including those contesting presidential, governorship, National Assembly and other political offices under the NDC banner.
National Chairman Moses Cleopas said the decision followed discussions within the party and was adopted as part of efforts to strengthen discipline among members. He explained that the party wants to avoid situations where candidates benefit from its support during elections and later move to other political parties after assuming office.
He noted that political defections have become common in Nigeria’s political system, with many elected officials changing party affiliations shortly after winning elections. According to him, such actions weaken political parties and reduce public confidence in the electoral process.
Cleopas pointed to the experiences of some opposition parties in recent years, where several elected members left the platforms that sponsored them into office. He said the NDC wants to prevent a similar situation by ensuring that candidates understand and accept the party’s rules before contesting elections.
The party chairman stated that membership remains voluntary and that no one is compelled to join the NDC. However, he said anyone seeking elective office through the party must agree to comply with its internal regulations and commitments.
Also speaking at the event, National Legal Adviser Reuben Egwuaba defended the policy, arguing that political parties, like other organisations, operate under rules accepted by their members. He maintained that candidates who seek office through a party platform do so as representatives of that political party.
According to him, electoral victories are achieved through the support and structure provided by political parties and should not be viewed solely as personal achievements of individual candidates. For that reason, he said elected officials should remain loyal to the platform that sponsored them into office.
The NDC explained that the affidavit and indemnity documents are designed to strengthen party loyalty and ensure that elected office holders remain committed to the party throughout their tenure.
With the introduction of the policy, aspirants seeking the party’s ticket in future elections will be required to formally accept the conditions before participating in the electoral process.
The party believes the measure will help preserve its political strength and reduce the growing trend of defections among elected officials.