​The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially exempted its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, from a newly introduced anti-defection oath.
​The controversial oath was recently established by the party’s leadership to prevent elected officials from abandoning the political platform after securing victory at the polls.
The loyalty pledge is strictly mandatory for all other candidates vying for legislative and gubernatorial positions under the party’s banner.
Party insiders suggest the exemption for the top of the ticket reflects their status as the primary drivers of the party’s national coalition, though the decision has sparked debate regarding uniformity in party discipline.
The NDC introduced the measure to curb the frequent “cross-carpeting” (defection) that routinely reshapes Nigerian politics post-election, aiming to ensure institutional loyalty among lower-tier elected officials.
​The NDC leadership maintained that the move is a strategic step toward building a disciplined and enduring political structure ahead of the upcoming general elections.
