NDC Exempts Obi, Kwankwaso from Anti-Defection Oath Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has clarified that its newly introduced anti-defection policy will not apply to the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, despite earlier reports suggesting that all candidates would be required to sign a binding anti-defection oath.

The party recently unveiled a policy requiring candidates seeking elective offices on its platform to sign affidavits and indemnity agreements committing to vacate their positions if they defect after winning elections. According to the NDC leadership, the measure is aimed at protecting the party’s mandate and preventing the wave of defections that has weakened several political parties in recent years.

However, party officials have reportedly clarified that the arrangement is primarily targeted at legislative and executive office seekers and does not extend to the Obi-Kwankwaso presidential ticket, which remains central to the party’s strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development comes amid a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections. Obi and Kwankwaso formally joined the NDC earlier this year following political crises and uncertainty within their former political platform. Their arrival has strengthened the NDC’s profile and triggered a series of defections by lawmakers and political figures across the country.

Political observers say the decision to exempt the duo highlights their strategic importance to the opposition party as it seeks to challenge the ruling APC in the next general election. The NDC has increasingly positioned itself as a major opposition force, attracting politicians from various parties and regions.

While supporters argue that the exemption reflects political reality and the unique status of the party’s presidential ticket, critics have questioned whether exempting some leaders from party rules could create perceptions of double standards within the party structure.

Nevertheless, NDC leaders insist the anti-defection framework remains necessary to ensure party discipline and protect electoral mandates from future political cross-carpeting.

The decision underscores the growing importance of party loyalty and internal discipline as political parties prepare for the 2027 elections. It also highlights the influence of Obi and Kwankwaso within the opposition coalition and the NDC’s determination to keep its emerging alliance intact.

the NDC is tightening its anti-defection rules, the party has opted to exempt its presidential ticket, signaling the pivotal role of Obi and Kwankwaso in its 2027 electoral calculations.