Loyalty Affidavit has emerged as one of the most controversial phrases in Nigeria’s political conversation ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a move supporters describe as bold and critics see as provocative, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has unveiled a policy requiring many of its candidates to swear an oath of loyalty designed to discourage post-election defections. The announcement has reignited a long-running national debate: should politicians be free to switch parties after winning elections, or should voters expect them to remain loyal to the platform that secured their mandate?
NDC Defends Candidate Oath, Says Party Stability Comes First
The NDC leadership says the Loyalty Affidavit is not an attack on constitutional rights but an internal mechanism intended to strengthen party discipline and institutional stability. National Secretary Ikenna Enekweizu defended the policy, arguing that members voluntarily agree to abide by party rules and that political associations possess the authority to establish internal regulations for their members. According to him, the initiative reflects lessons learned from other political parties that suffered significant losses through defections.
The party maintains that its primary concern is elected lawmakers who secure office under one platform only to migrate elsewhere shortly after victory. NDC officials argue that such movements weaken party structures, undermine voter expectations, and transform political parties into temporary election vehicles rather than enduring institutions. While the party constitution reportedly provides for the policy, officials disclosed that presidential candidate Peter Obi and vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso have been exempted from the requirement through an administrative decision, a development that has generated its own round of political commentary.
Defections Trigger New NDC Rules for Elected Officials
The debate surrounding the Loyalty Affidavit cannot be separated from the broader political realignments reshaping the opposition landscape. In recent months, the NDC has benefited from a wave of defections and high-profile political migrations, including the arrival of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, alongside several lawmakers. These developments have elevated the party’s national profile and positioned it as a significant player in the race toward 2027.
Political analysts note that defections have become one of the defining features of Nigeria’s democratic experience. Lawmakers and elected officials frequently cite internal crises, ideological disagreements, or strategic calculations when changing party affiliations. Against this backdrop, the NDC’s attempt to institutionalize loyalty represents a notable experiment in party-building. Recent statements from party leaders have repeatedly emphasized unity, consensus, and long-term organizational survival, suggesting that the party views discipline as essential to avoiding the turbulence that has troubled several opposition formations in recent years.
Whether the Loyalty Affidavit ultimately becomes a landmark political innovation or merely another document filed away in Nigeria’s vibrant political archives remains uncertain. What is clear is that the initiative has succeeded in drawing national attention to the enduring challenge of defections and the struggle to build durable political institutions. As preparations for 2027 intensify, OGM News Nigeria will continue monitoring how the Loyalty Affidavit shapes candidate behavior, party cohesion, and the wider debate over democratic accountability.
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