The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has justified its anti-defection policy, which  required all candidates to sign legal documents committing to vacate their positions if they leave the party after winning elections.

Featuring in an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ on Thursday, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Osa Director, said the policy is contained in NDC’s constitution.

The policy will apply to candidates contesting governorship, National Assembly and other elective positions under the NDC platform.

“Article 16 of NDC’s constitution clearly states the anti-defection policy.

“Any member of our party should have read through our constitution which clearly states in article 16, that they must give an affidavit to remain in the party once elected.

“Politicians are interested in elections, while statesmen are interested in nation building.

“NDC is a party interested in holistic growth and development of Nigeria. To that extent, we will encourage other parties to adopt this policy, to deepen the tentacles of democracy and the rule of law,” he said.

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has expressed optimism that God will continue to guide President Bola Tinubu in leading Nigeria until 2031 to further the country’s development.

Umahi stated this on Thursday during an inspection tour of ongoing bridge projects in Lagos State, including the Carter Bridge, which is scheduled for reconstruction beginning next week.

According to the minister, Tinubu’s administration would continue to receive divine support in addressing the nation’s challenges, particularly insecurity.

“The same God that brought him is going to be there to solve all the problems,” Umahi said while appealing to Nigerians to support and cooperate with the current administration in its efforts to tackle security concerns across the country.

He noted that no leader desires instability during their tenure, but added that any responsible government must confront challenges directly whenever they arise.

“There is no leader who will not want his reign to be peaceful, but when crises come, the leader must confront them. That is exactly what we are doing,” he said.

Umahi further stated that regardless of whether the country’s security challenges were politically motivated or not, he believed Tinubu would receive the wisdom and strength required to overcome them and address other national issues.

The minister also expressed confidence that the present administration would complete all projects initiated under its watch.

“Your hands that have started this will complete it,” Umahi stated, adding that the government remained confident that Tinubu’s leadership continued to enjoy divine favour.

Speaking on the Carter Bridge project, the minister disclosed that the reconstruction of the bridge is expected to be completed within three years.

“It is within our five-year plan,” he added.