NDC Can’t Stop Lawful Defections – Amadi

The Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Sam Amadi, has faulted the anti-defection policy introduced by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), saying no one can stop politicians from defecting if their actions fall within constitutional provisions.

Naija News reports that Amadi stated this on Wednesday during a live interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time.

He was reacting to the NDC policy requiring candidates seeking elective offices on its platform to sign legal documents committing them to vacate their seats if they leave the party after winning elections.

Amadi said the party could not resolve what he described as a political problem through constitutional interpretation.

“The NDC cannot solve a political problem through constitutional interpretation. The NDC is trying to solve a political problem through a constitutional question, but that approach is flawed,” he said.

According to him, political defections can only be challenged within the limits already provided by the constitution.

The public affairs analyst said it would be difficult to lawfully stop people from defecting if they believe their reasons are covered by constitutional exceptions.

“It is not possible to lawfully exclude people from decamping if they believe their actions fall within the provisions of the constitution they signed,” Amadi said.

He added that politicians retain the right to change political parties where their reasons align with constitutional provisions.

“If individuals choose to change political parties, they are allowed to do so, provided their reasons fall within the exceptions outlined in the constitution. In such cases, the law applies as provided,” he added.