By Akpos Oghenetega,
In a major move to curb political party-hopping ahead of the 2027 general elections, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has introduced a policy requiring all its candidates to sign legal anti-defection affidavits before running under its banner.
Under the new guidelines, candidates must sign indemnity forms and legal documents pledging to automatically forfeit their elected seats if they defect to another political party after winning office.
The strategy aims to deter politicians from shifting allegiances mid-tenure and to maintain stability within the party’s structures. NDC leadership introduced the rule to instil discipline and ensure consistency, directly targeting Nigeria's long-standing political trend where officials routinely win elections on one platform only to switch to another once in power.
The policy has sparked nationwide debate among political analysts and election observers regarding its legality and enforcement. While supporters argue that the strict measures are necessary to strengthen democratic institutions and enforce party loyalty, critics question whether elected officials should legally lose a popular mandate simply for changing political affiliations.
Political experts note that while this mechanism could reshape political commitment in Nigeria, the true test lies in whether the NDC can successfully enforce the rule.
