PROSPER OKOYE
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced new internal rules strengthening party authority over elected officials, tightening oversight of affiliated groups, and introducing stricter financial disclosure requirements, according to resolutions from its second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Osa Director issued in Abuja.
The NDC said it was reinforcing “party supremacy”, requiring all governments elected on its platform to consult party structures on programmes, policies and appointments, excluding personal staff.
“The party remains supreme,” the statement said, adding that members must align their personal interests and political actions with party directives.
The party also ruled that all affiliated groups and non-governmental organisations linked to it must operate under its supervision and not function independently or in parallel with the party structure.
It said a comprehensive code of conduct would be developed for party officials and candidates, with a committee chaired by the National Legal Adviser already set up to draft the framework.
The NEC also inaugurated a National Reconciliation Committee tasked with resolving grievances among members following internal disputes.
According to the statement, the party is being developed as an institution rather than “a personality cult” or a “special purpose vehicle” to be used and discarded.
The NDC further emphasised financial accountability, saying party funds must be strictly used for party business and subjected to tighter internal controls.
It added that candidates at all levels would be required to fully disclose all funds raised and contributions received for election campaigns. Such funds, it said, must pass through designated party campaign accounts at local government, state, zonal and national levels, including presidential and governorship accounts where applicable.