Ikenna Enekweizu, the National Secretary of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has defended the party’s new mandatory loyalty affidavit, asserting that the policy is both constitutional and a necessary measure to prevent defections. Speaking on Channels Television, Enekweizu emphasized that party members are legally bound to follow internal regulations, which the NDC has implemented to ensure its institutional longevity. The party aims to avoid becoming a “special purpose vehicle” for politicians who abandon their platform after winning office, a trend the secretary noted plagued the Labour Party after the 2023 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

While the policy applies to those running under the party’s platform, Enekweizu clarified that an administrative decision has been made to exempt the presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The party’s primary objective with this oath is to curb frequent defections among national and state assembly members rather than executive officeholders.

• Purpose of the Oath: The NDC introduced the loyalty affidavit to protect its institutional integrity and prevent elected officials from using the party solely to win elections before defecting.

• Legal Standing: Enekweizu argued that the policy is constitutional, citing “trite law” that requires members of any association to abide by its established constitution.

• Targeted Demographic: The policy is specifically aimed at curbing defections among legislators, as the party is more concerned about members of the National and State Assemblies leaving shortly after their election.

• Notable Exemptions: While the policy generally applies to candidates, Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have been administratively exempted from the requirement.

• Motivation: The party leadership expressed a desire to learn from the post-2023 election experiences of other parties, such as the Labour Party, which saw significant turnover in its legislative ranks.

ADC chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo has formally rejected a demand from Peter Obi to retract claims made about the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) primary election process. Following Okonkwo’s interview on Channels Television, where he alleged that aspirants were forced to pay for party tickets, Obi’s legal team issued a pre-action notice seeking a public apology and ₦5 billion in damages, labeling the statements as malicious and defamatory.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a June 16 response via his solicitors, Supreme God Chambers, Okonkwo denied committing defamation and maintained that his comments accurately reflected complaints brought to him by various party aspirants. His legal team cited specific grievances, including claims from an Anambra House of Representatives aspirant, Obunike Ohaegbu, who alleged he paid ₦10 million to secure a ticket only to be forced into direct primaries, and complaints from other aspirants like OAU Onyema regarding the screening process. Okonkwo’s lawyers argued that his remarks were a legitimate effort to expose corruption, such as “ticket racketeering” and “extortion,” and further accused Obi’s camp of violating his privacy by leaking his personal phone number.

• The Conflict: Kenneth Okonkwo (ADC) has refused to apologize for statements made on Channels Television regarding alleged financial impropriety in the NDC’s primary elections.

• Obi’s Demands: Represented by Alex Ejesieme (SAN), Peter Obi characterized the allegations as defamatory and demanded a retraction, an apology, and ₦5 billion in damages.

• Okonkwo’s Defense: Through his legal counsel, Okonkwo asserted that his statements were true, based on information provided by party members, and protected as part of his role in analyzing public affairs.

• Key Allegations: The response detailed claims from aspirants—such as Obunike Ohaegbu and OAU Onyema—who alleged they were deceived by party officials after paying various sums during the nomination process.

• Counter-Accusation: Okonkwo’s camp alleged that Obi’s supporters leaked his private telephone number, resulting in harassment and an invasion of his privacy.

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The Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has publicly criticized the stringent bail conditions imposed on former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai. El-Rufai is currently detained by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) following a nine-count charge of fraud and abuse of office filed on April 13. According to Sanusi, authorities have mandated that a serving emir and a high-ranking government official must act as sureties for his release—a requirement he described as excessive.

Beyond the specific case of El-Rufai, the former CBN Governor expressed deep concern over the state of Northern Nigeria. He lamented the erosion of the region’s cultural identity and patience, noting that while poverty has historically challenged the North, residents previously maintained a sense of dignity and influence. Sanusi concluded that the North has lost its former standing in national politics, with its leaders no longer enjoying the widespread acceptance they once commanded.

In a recent address to the press, the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, voiced his disapproval regarding the legal hurdles currently facing former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai. El-Rufai, who is being held by the ICPC on charges of financial misconduct, has been granted bail conditions that include the requirement of an emir and a senior government official as sureties—a demand Sanusi termed unnecessarily difficult.

During the same engagement, the former Central Bank Governor reflected on the broader decline of the Northern region. He argued that the North is suffering from more than just economic hardship; it is undergoing a cultural crisis. Sanusi suggested that the region has lost its traditional sense of resilience and dignity, lamenting that Northerners have allowed their political influence to wane to the point where they are no longer seen as natural leaders for the nation.

• Criticism of Bail: Sanusi characterized the demand for an emir and a senior government official to sign for El-Rufai’s bail as an overly burdensome requirement.

• Legal Status: El-Rufai remains in ICPC custody following his arraignment for alleged financial crimes during his tenure as governor.

• Cultural Critique: Sanusi argued that the North’s primary struggle is not merely poverty, but the erosion of its traditional values and cultural identity.

• Loss of Influence: The Emir observed that Northern leaders have lost the national political capital and public acceptance they formerly enjoyed.