The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has defended its decision to require elected members of the party to swear an affidavit binding them to their seats, insisting that the measure is constitutionally grounded and aimed at curbing political defection.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Barr. Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, said the policy was not only lawful but already embedded in the NDC constitution, which members voluntarily subscribe to upon joining the party.

Enekweizu argued that political parties, like any other association, are governed by internal rules binding on their members, stressing that the affidavit requirement was adopted through the party’s constitutional structures.

“A political party is like any other association, and every member that subscribes to its membership is bound by the provisions of the party’s constitution,” he said. “Within the NDC, the decision to make people sign that affidavit is provided for in our constitution.”

Responding to concerns that the policy may conflict with Nigeria’s constitutional provisions on freedom of association and political rights, Enekweizu dismissed the argument, insisting that membership of a party comes with voluntary acceptance of its rules.

According to him, “When you come into a political party and you look at its constitution, and it says you must swear to an affidavit if you’re going to contest on its platform, you have a choice. You can walk away or you can accept it. But if you proceed, you are bound by it.”

He maintained that the party was acting within its rights to prevent elected officials from abandoning its platform after securing electoral victories, citing past cases of mass defections in other political parties.

“We are trying to prevent a situation where people see our political party only as a special purpose vehicle for winning elections and then leave immediately after. We want a party that stands the test of time,” he said.

On concerns that the policy may run afoul of Section 68 of the Nigerian Constitution and Supreme Court precedents on defection, Enekweizu acknowledged the legal framework but insisted that internal party rules remain binding unless overturned by a court.

“If it becomes a legitimate issue, the courts will decide,” he noted. “But we are convinced that what we have done is right.”

The NDC spokesperson added that enforcement would not be left in doubt, stating that the party would pursue legal remedies against any elected official who defects in violation of its constitution.

“We are not going to sit back and do nothing. We will go to court to enforce our constitution and the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution where applicable,” he said.

Enekweizu disclosed that compliance with the affidavit directive was already above 50 per cent, adding that full compliance was expected before the party submits its final list of candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

On internal disputes within the party, including grievances raised by some aspirants, he said such tensions were natural in a fast-growing political organisation but insisted they had largely been resolved.

He also dismissed suggestions that the policy was targeted at prominent political figures recently associated with the party, including Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, saying the rules predated their involvement.

“Our constitution was adopted long before the emergence of those individuals in our party. It has nothing to do with any person,” he said.

On the enforcement of candidate selection and internal primaries, Enekweizu maintained that the party retained full constitutional authority over its processes, including deciding who flies its tickets.

He further claimed that aggrieved aspirants were being engaged through internal reconciliation mechanisms, while insisting that primary elections were conducted fairly.

Despite concerns raised by some stakeholders over internal disagreements, Enekweizu said the party remained confident in its electoral prospects, expressing optimism that its presidential candidate would emerge victorious in the next election. (Nigerian Tribune)