Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, has publicly endorsed the party’s new anti-defection indemnity form, calling it a positive step for the organization. Speaking through the Kwankwasiyya movement’s spokesperson, Habibu Saleh Mohammed, Kwankwaso emphasized that this policy is essential for fostering internal discipline and upholding the constitutional mandate linked to party-sponsored elected officials.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The NDC implemented this loyalty affidavit specifically to curb the trend of elected representatives abandoning the party that secured their victory. Party National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, explained that this initiative is a direct response to the persistent issue of politicians defecting after utilizing a party’s platform to achieve office.

Kwankwaso’s camp maintains that this requirement aligns with the spirit of the Nigerian Constitution, which discourages officials from deserting their sponsoring parties. “What the party is trying to do is only imposing the position of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. To a larger extent, this is what we’ve been talking about,” Mohammed stated.

Mohammed further noted that the Kwankwasiyya movement is no stranger to the damage caused by defections, citing the departure of former Kano State governor Abdullahi Ganduje as a prime example. Ultimately, the movement believes this new NDC measure will prevent politicians from viewing party platforms merely as temporary vehicles for electoral success.

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.