Nigeria’s political landscape has seen its share of oddities since 1998, but the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) has just raised the bar. The party, now home to Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, is demanding that members sign an oath of loyalty—a so-called anti-defection measure. On the surface, it sounds like a bold step to curb the political nomadism that has plagued the nation. But dig deeper, and you’ll find a move dripping with irony and moral contradictions.
The NDC’s national secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu, defends the policy as a constitutional necessity, arguing that every member must abide by party rules. In theory, he has a point. In practice, however, such a rigid stance could backfire, driving away potential joiners who might view the party as cult-like. It’s a risky gamble, especially for a party whose leaders have themselves jumped ship multiple times.
Consider Obi’s political journey: from APGA to PDP, then Labour Party, followed by ADC, and now NDC. Kwankwaso’s path is no less nomadic: PDP to APC, NNPP, ADC, and finally NDC. These are serial defectors, yet they now demand unwavering loyalty from others. The exemption granted to them from signing the oath only adds to the hypocrisy, reinforcing a “big-man” mentality where leaders are above the rules they impose.
This isn’t just about party discipline; it’s about power dynamics. The NDC’s move mirrors the PDP’s ill-fated revalidation exercise under the late Ojo Maduekwe, which led to the party’s collapse and loss of the 2015 presidential election. History suggests that forcing loyalty through oaths often breeds resentment, not commitment.
Still, there’s a kernel of wisdom in the NDC’s approach. Nigeria’s democracy has been undermined by rampant defections, where politicians treat parties as mere vehicles for personal ambition. A constitutional amendment to restrict defection could restore trust and stability. But as long as leaders like Obi and Kwankwaso exempt themselves from the very rules they champion, the NDC’s anti-defection oath looks less like a solution and more like a tool for control.
