The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has unveiled a series of far-reaching resolutions aimed at deepening internal democracy, strengthening party discipline, enhancing financial accountability and building what it describes as a durable political institution capable of outliving individual ambitions and personalities.
The resolutions emerged from the party’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and were contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Osa Director.
According to the statement, the NEC deliberated extensively on the future direction of the party and agreed on several measures designed to consolidate the NDC’s structures and ensure that it remains focused on its long-term vision of providing credible leadership and governance for Nigeria.
One of the key resolutions adopted by the NEC was a reaffirmation of the principle of party supremacy. The party stressed that elected officials who emerge on its platform must recognize the authority of the party and ensure that major government decisions are made in consultation with party organs and leadership structures.
The NDC stated that governance should not be disconnected from the political platform that produced elected officials, emphasizing that policy formulation, government programmes and strategic appointments must reflect the ideals and aspirations of the party.
According to the resolution, all governments elected on the platform of the NDC are expected to work closely with party structures in making important decisions.
“The programmes, policies and appointments, except personal staff appointments, of all governments elected on the platform of the party must be made in consultation with the party structure,” the statement noted.
The NEC maintained that the party remains supreme and that all members, regardless of status or position, must align their personal interests with the collective objectives of the organization.
“The party remains supreme, and members are expected to align their personal interests and agendas with those of the party,” the statement said.
The leadership further emphasized that political office holders should see themselves as representatives of the party’s ideology and not as independent actors pursuing personal political projects.
In another major decision, the NEC resolved that all organizations, pressure groups and non-governmental organizations affiliated with the party must operate under the supervision and guidance of the party.
The leadership expressed concern about the proliferation of support groups that sometimes function independently of party structures, creating confusion and undermining organizational cohesion.
To address this challenge, the party declared that affiliated groups must recognize the authority of the party and work within approved guidelines.
“All affiliated groups and NGOs shall operate under the guidance and control of the party and must not function in parallel with, or independently of, the party structure,” the statement said.
The NEC noted that support groups can play a valuable role in mobilization, advocacy and grassroots engagement, but insisted that such organizations must complement rather than compete with official party structures.
As part of efforts to improve discipline and ethical conduct within the party, the NEC also approved the development of a comprehensive Code of Conduct for all party officials, candidates and aspirants.
The proposed code is expected to provide clear guidelines on acceptable behavior, ethical standards, responsibilities and disciplinary measures for members occupying positions of trust within the party.
The leadership believes that the introduction of a code of conduct will help strengthen accountability, reduce internal conflicts and promote a culture of responsibility among party officials.
“A comprehensive Code of Conduct shall be established for all party officials and candidates,” the statement declared.
To facilitate the implementation of this decision, the NEC constituted a special committee under the leadership of the party’s National Legal Adviser.
The committee has been mandated to develop the framework, operational guidelines and enforcement mechanisms for the proposed code.
The party said the committee would consult widely and present recommendations that reflect best practices in political party administration and democratic governance.
Recognizing the importance of unity and reconciliation in sustaining a strong political organization, the NEC also announced the inauguration of a National Reconciliation Committee.
According to the party, the committee has been tasked with engaging aggrieved members and resolving disputes that may have arisen from internal disagreements, political contests or administrative decisions.
“A National Reconciliation Committee has been inaugurated to reconcile all aggrieved members of the party,” the statement said.
The leadership expressed confidence that the committee would help strengthen cohesion within the party and foster a spirit of inclusiveness and mutual respect among members.
The NEC also used the opportunity to reiterate its commitment to building a political institution that can endure for generations.
According to the party, the NDC was not established to serve as a temporary electoral platform or a vehicle for advancing the ambitions of a few individuals.
Rather, it is being developed as a sustainable institution with strong structures, clear ideological foundations and long-term relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape.
“The NDC is being built as an institution, not a personality cult, political movement, or Special Purpose Vehicle to be used and discarded,” the statement emphasized.
The party encouraged members to remain committed to its vision and contribute actively to its growth and sustainability.
“Members are encouraged to remain committed to the party and contribute to its growth and sustainability for generations to come,” it added.
The NEC further stressed the importance of loyalty among party members, particularly those seeking elective positions.
The leadership stated that every aspirant and candidate must demonstrate unwavering commitment to the party and place national interest above personal ambitions.
“At all times, and for all candidates and aspirants, total allegiance must be to the party and the national interest,” the statement declared.
Another major area addressed during the NEC meeting was financial accountability.
The party announced the adoption of strict measures aimed at promoting transparency and responsible management of party resources.
According to the leadership, all officers entrusted with party funds will be required to adhere to the highest standards of financial discipline.
“On financial probity, the party will enforce strict accountability in the management of party resources by all officers, and party funds must be used strictly for party business,” the statement said.
The NEC also introduced new disclosure requirements for candidates seeking elective office on the platform of the party.
Under the new policy, candidates will be required to provide full disclosure of all funds raised and expended during their campaigns.
The party explained that this measure is intended to enhance transparency and prevent abuses associated with campaign financing.
“For candidates, there must also be strict accountability for all funding received,” the statement added.
The party further directed that all funds sourced by candidates and all contributions made to campaign accounts must be fully disclosed to party structures at the local government, state, zonal and national levels.
According to the NEC, such disclosures will help strengthen trust within the party and ensure that campaign financing remains transparent and accountable.
In addition, the NDC resolved that all campaign funds must pass through officially designated party accounts, including presidential and governorship campaign accounts where applicable.
The party said these measures form part of a broader strategy to institutionalize its operations, deepen internal democracy, strengthen transparency and ensure that public trust in the party continues to grow.
With these resolutions, the NDC says it is positioning itself as a disciplined, accountable and enduring political organization committed to democratic principles, good governance and national development.
