The National Executive Committer (NEC) of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has taken major steps towards institutionalizing the party, emphasizing party supremacy, accountability, discipline, and reconciliation among members.
In a communiqué issued after its second NEC meeting held last week in Abuja and signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the party declared its commitment to building a strong and enduring institution that would outlive individual ambitions and political interests.
According to the party, all governments elected on the NDC platform must consult the party structure before implementing key programmes, policies, and appointments, except for personal staff appointments.
The NEC reaffirmed that the party remains supreme and directed members to align their personal interests and political agendas with those of the party.
As part of efforts to strengthen internal cohesion, the Committee stated that all affiliated groups and non-governmental organizations linked to the party would henceforth operate under the guidance and control of the party and must not function independently of its established structures.
The party also approved the establishment of a comprehensive Code of Conduct for party officials and candidates. To achieve this, a committee headed by the National Legal Adviser has been constituted to develop the framework and operational guidelines.
In another significant move, the NEC inaugurated a National Reconciliation Committee tasked with reconciling aggrieved members and promoting unity within the party.
The NDC stressed that it was being built as an institution rather than a personality cult, political movement, or Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) that could be discarded after achieving specific objectives.
The council urged members to remain committed to the growth and sustainability of the party for future generations, emphasizing that allegiance must always be to the party and the national interest.
On financial management, the NEC announced strict accountability measures for party officials and candidates. It stated that party resources must be used exclusively for party business and that all funds received by candidates, including personal contributions and donations, must be fully disclosed to the party.
The party further directed that all campaign funds be channelled through designated party campaign accounts at the local government, state, zonal, and national levels, including presidential and governorship campaign accounts where applicable.
The resolutions were adopted as part of the party’s broader efforts to strengthen internal democracy, transparency, and institutional governance ahead of future electoral contests.
