Politics
NDC Moves to Assert Party Supremacy, Tightens Control Over Appointments, Campaign Funds
ABUJA — The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced a series of far-reaching resolutions aimed at strengthening party structures, enforcing discipline, and tightening control over government appointments and campaign financing as part of efforts to deepen its institutional development.
The decisions were contained in a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, following resolutions reached at the NDC’s Second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
According to Director, the reforms reflect the party’s renewed determination to build a strong and enduring political institution anchored on discipline, accountability, and party supremacy.
Party Supremacy Takes Centre Stage
The NDC declared that it is committed to building a political institution rather than operating as a personality-driven platform or a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) used solely for electoral victories.
The party stressed that all members, aspirants, and elected officials must henceforth place party interests above personal ambitions, insisting that the principle of party supremacy remains non-negotiable.
As part of the resolutions, the NEC directed that all programmes, policies, and government appointments made by administrations elected on the NDC platform—excluding personal staff appointments—must be undertaken in consultation with the party structure.
The party further resolved that all affiliated groups and non-governmental organisations associated with it must operate strictly under party guidance and supervision, warning against independent or parallel structures that could undermine party authority.
Tougher Oversight on Campaign Financing
In a major push for financial accountability, the NEC approved stricter rules governing campaign funding for candidates at all levels.
Under the new framework, all candidates seeking elective offices, including presidential and governorship aspirants, are required to fully disclose all funds sourced or contributed to their campaigns.
The party stated that all campaign donations must be channelled through designated party campaign accounts managed at the appropriate local government, state, zonal, or national levels, depending on the office being contested.
It added that contributions made by candidates themselves must also be properly disclosed, while all party funds must be used strictly for party business and subjected to full accountability by relevant officers.
Reconciliation and Code of Conduct
To strengthen internal cohesion, the NDC inaugurated a National Reconciliation Committee tasked with engaging aggrieved members and resolving internal disputes across the country.
In addition, a committee headed by the National Legal Adviser has been established to develop a comprehensive Code of Conduct for party officials and candidates. The framework is expected to guide behaviour, enforce discipline, and standardise expectations within the party structure.
The party urged members to remain committed to its growth and long-term sustainability, stressing that individual ambitions must align with collective goals and the broader national interest.
Political observers say the resolutions mark a significant step in the NDC’s efforts to consolidate internal control, reduce indiscipline, and position itself as a disciplined, institution-driven political organisation ahead of future elections.