The Nigeria Democratic Congress has granted its presidential and vice-presidential candidates a “get-out-of-jail-free” card, exempting Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso from the party’s new anti-defection oath.
The decision comes just days after the party introduced the measure aimed at preventing elected officials from abandoning the platform after winning elections.
Oath for Thee, Not for Me
National Secretary Ikenna Enekweizu made the revelation Wednesday on Channels TV’s Politics Today, defending the policy against constitutional challenges while confirming the high-profile exemptions.
“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,” Enekweizu stated.
The Official Line
Enekweizu insisted the oath requirement is constitutional, arguing:
· Political parties are voluntary associations bound by their own rules
· The measure protects the NDC from the defection epidemic that has crippled other parties
· The focus is primarily on National and State Assembly members, not governors or presidents
The Elephant in the Room
Critics are already questioning why the party’s top ticket gets a pass while others must swear loyalty. The exemption raises eyebrows given that defections typically start from the top not the bottom.
Enekweizu tried to downplay the inconsistency, arguing that the party’s “main focus” is on lawmakers who often jump ship after securing office.
Constitutional Questions Linger
The NDC secretary dismissed suggestions the oath violates constitutional provisions, but legal experts may beg to differ. The policy comes as Nigeria’s political landscape grapples with a troubling pattern of politicians switching parties like clothes.
Protecting the Brand… Sort Of
The NDC leadership says it’s tired of being used as a “mere vehicle” for ambitious politicians looking for a quick route to power before defecting elsewhere.
But exempting the party’s biggest names from the very rule designed to prevent defections sends a mixed message one that may leave smaller candidates wondering if loyalty is only required from the foot soldiers.
Bottom Line: The NDC wants to stop defections just not from the people most likely to defect.
