Sam Amadi: “You Can’t Stop People” – Commentary on NDC’s Anti‑Defection Policy

The Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, Sam Amadi, stated that it is impossible to prevent people from defecting if they believe their actions are within the constitutional provisions they have agreed to.

Amadi made the comment on Wednesday during a live interview on Arise Television’s “Prime Time.”

He was responding to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)’s anti‑defection policy, which requires candidates running for elective office under the party’s banner to sign legal documents pledging to vacate their positions if they leave the party after being elected.

“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.

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

“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.