By Our Reporter
ABUJA — The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced sweeping structural reforms aimed at transitioning the party from a mere electoral platform into a permanent political institution.
Chief among the resolutions is the strict enforcement of “party supremacy,” which will now compel all elected officials on its platform to clear policy directions and government appointments with the party leadership.
The decisions were part of the resolutions reached at the party’s Second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and made public in a statement signed on Sunday by the National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director.
According to the main opposition party, the new guidelines are designed to ensure that individual ambitions do not override institutional objectives. The party explicitly warned against turning the NDC into a “personality cult” or a “Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)” to be abandoned after elections.
”The programs, policies, and appointments (except personal staff) of all governments elected on the platform of the party must be made in consultation with the party structure,” the statement read. “The party remains supreme, and members are expected to align their personal interests and agendas with those of the party.”
In a move that could significantly alter the dynamics of political financing in Nigeria, the NDC announced a zero-tolerance policy on dark money and unaccounted campaign funding.
Under the new guidelines, all candidates—including presidential and gubernatorial aspirants—must declare all financial contributions to the party. Furthermore, all campaign funds must be processed through dedicated, party-controlled bank accounts at local, state, and national levels.
The party noted that this measure is to ensure absolute financial probity, mandating that resources are used “strictly for party business.”
To address internal friction following recent political cycles, the NEC confirmed the inauguration of a National Reconciliation Committee tasked with bringing aggrieved members back into the fold.
Simultaneously, the party is tightening its disciplinary framework. A committee led by the National Legal Adviser has been constituted to draft a comprehensive Code of Conduct for all party officials and candidates.
Additionally, the NDC has put independent support groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on notice, stating that all affiliated bodies must operate strictly under the guidance and control of the central party structure, effectively banning parallel campaigns.
”At all times, and for all candidates and aspirants, total allegiance must be to the party and the national interest,” Director stated, urging members to invest in the long-term sustainability of the party for future generations.
