The Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, Sam Amadi, has stated that no political party can legally prevent members from defecting if they believe their actions comply with constitutional provisions. Speaking on Wednesday during a live interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’, Amadi addressed the controversial anti-defection policy introduced by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). The policy requires candidates vying for elective offices under the NDC platform to sign legal documents pledging to resign if they leave the party after winning elections. Amadi argued that this approach is legally flawed and misuses constitutional interpretation to solve a political issue.
According to Amadi, political parties cannot override constitutional rights through internal agreements or party policies. He emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution allows for party defection under certain conditions, and individuals who believe their actions fall within those constitutional exceptions are legally protected. “The NDC cannot solve a political problem through constitutional interpretation,” he said. “They are trying to solve a political problem through a constitutional question, but that approach is flawed.”
He further explained that if a member decides to switch parties, the law permits such a move as long as the reasons align with the exceptions provided in the Constitution. These exceptions typically include situations where a member is expelled from their party or if the party fails to uphold democratic principles. Amadi stressed that any attempt to enforce party loyalty through binding legal documents may not hold up in court, especially if it contradicts existing constitutional provisions.
The NDC’s anti-defection policy has sparked debate across Nigeria’s political landscape. Critics argue that such measures could discourage political participation and undermine democratic freedoms. Supporters, however, believe it will reduce the frequency of defections that often disrupt governance and create instability. Amadi’s remarks add a legal and constitutional perspective to the ongoing discussion, highlighting the limits of party authority over individual political choices.
His comments come at a time when political defections remain a common feature in Nigeria’s electoral politics. The issue has been particularly prominent in recent years, with several lawmakers switching allegiance shortly after elections. While parties seek ways to retain members, Amadi’s position underscores the importance of balancing party discipline with constitutional rights. As Nigeria continues to navigate its political dynamics, the debate over defection laws is likely to remain a central issue in discussions about democratic governance and party integrity.
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