A political storm is brewing within the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) following allegations that the party is compelling elected candidates to sign a controversial affidavit pledging absolute loyalty to the party leadership as a condition for retaining their candidacies.
According to internal sources, the affidavit—reportedly titled “Affidavit of Affirmation and Undertaking”—is being used to enforce strict loyalty among candidates who emerged victorious in the party’s primaries. Those who refuse to sign are allegedly being threatened with replacement by individuals who did not win the primaries but are willing to comply with the document.
The affidavit reportedly requires candidates to swear before a High Court that they will remain in the NDC throughout their tenure if elected and that they will not defect to any other political party. It also states that any defection would automatically amount to resignation from office, with the party empowered to take legal steps to enforce removal.
Critics within the party allege that the document is being used as a political control tool to suppress internal dissent and prevent defections, describing the development as a form of intimidation and internal coercion.
One party source claimed that the practice amounts to “tyranny,” arguing that candidates who refuse to sign are being sidelined in favour of less popular aspirants who agree to the conditions.
The affidavit further requires elected officials to align all their actions and policies with the party’s constitution and ideology, while also mandating unconditional loyalty to the party leadership. It also stipulates that any costs incurred by the party in enforcing a resignation due to defection would be borne by the affected official.
Meanwhile, separate allegations have emerged involving a senatorial aspirant who reportedly petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing members of the NDC screening committee of financial misconduct during the nomination process.
The aspirant is said to have initially paid ₦3 million for an expression of interest form but was later allegedly pressured into paying an additional ₦20 million, which was transferred into a party-linked bank account.
The petition reportedly accuses the committee members of fraudulent inducement, coercion, and obtaining money under false pretences, and is now under review by the EFCC.
Party insiders say the developments have raised serious concerns about internal democracy, transparency, and financial practices within the NDC ahead of upcoming elections.
