The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has defended its anti-defection policy, saying elected officials who win on the party’s platform are required by its constitution to remain members of the party after assuming office.
Speaking during an interview with ARISE News on Thursday, the National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, Osa Director, said Article 16 of the party’s constitution provides that candidates seeking elective office on the party’s platform must commit to remaining in the party after election.
The policy has drawn attention following the party’s announcement that aspirants would be required to sign affidavits and indemnity agreements committing to vacate their seats if they defect after winning elections.
Director said the measure was introduced to promote party loyalty, discipline and accountability, amid growing concerns over the movement of elected officials from one political party to another after securing office.
“You cannot get the ticket of a party to go to the National Assembly or State Assembly and you get there and for the flimsiness of excuse, you defect to another party and you still hold on to the mandate given to you by the party,” he said.
He added that the provision was not a new addition to the party’s rules but had been part of its constitution before the NDC was registered.
“Article 16 of our constitution is clearly stated there. Any member of our party should have read through the constitution. That provision is there in Article 16, that you must depose to remain in the party once you are elected under the platform of the party,” Director said.
Asked whether the policy could face constitutional challenges over freedom of association, Director expressed confidence that it would withstand judicial scrutiny.
He argued that membership of any association comes with obligations and responsibilities, maintaining that party members are expected to abide by the rules of the organisation they voluntarily join.
Director said the NDC would seek legal remedies if an elected official signed the agreement, defected and refused to vacate office.
“We have no choice than to resort to the court to adjudicate on a matter,” he said.
The NDC spokesman also dismissed suggestions that the policy reflected a lack of trust in party members, saying the party was simply taking additional steps to reinforce commitment among its candidates.
According to him, the party expects members to share its values and comply with its constitutional provisions, while also recognising that political pressures can influence behaviour after elections.
Director further said the NDC would support constitutional amendments that automatically remove elected officials from office if they defect without justification.
“We will support that in the NDC. So, that is what we are trying to promote and encourage,” he said.
He also urged other political parties to adopt similar measures, arguing that stronger internal discipline would help improve accountability within Nigeria’s political system.
Ademide Adebayo
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