Sam Amadi Questions NDCs Anti-Defection Policy as Dubious

The anti-defection policy introduced by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has drawn criticism from Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, who described it as “dubious” during a Friday interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’. Amadi expressed concerns over the party’s decision to require candidates seeking elective offices to sign legal documents pledging to vacate their positions if they defect from the party after winning elections. He argued that the policy reflects a lack of confidence in its own candidates and signals internal weakness rather than strength.

Amadi emphasized that political parties should focus on winning elections and securing the presidency, rather than implementing measures that appear to distrust their own nominees. He pointed out that history shows political loyalty often shifts after elections, with defeated candidates and their allies frequently aligning with the winning party. “Once you win the presidency, the people there will stay with you,” he stated, suggesting that strong leadership and victory naturally foster loyalty.

He further noted that the NDC’s move, while presented as an innovative approach, actually reveals a deeper insecurity within the party. “For me, at this point, it quite doesn’t suggest strength, it doesn’t suggest coherence, it rather suggests distrust of their own candidates,” Amadi said. He believes that a party with confidence in its leadership and platform would not need to enforce such binding legal commitments.

The NDC’s anti-defection policy is part of its broader strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party aims to prevent candidates from switching allegiance after winning office, a common practice in Nigerian politics that has often led to instability and accusations of betrayal. However, Amadi’s critique highlights a broader debate on how political parties should manage candidate loyalty—through trust and ideology, or through legal enforcement.

As Nigeria prepares for the next general elections, political analysts will closely watch how parties like the NDC balance innovation with trust-building. The NDC’s policy may set a precedent for other parties, but Amadi’s comments underscore the importance of confidence and unity in political campaigns. The coming years will reveal whether such measures strengthen parties or expose their vulnerabilities.