NDC defends donations, levies, denies payments for tickets

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Party says Dickson neither demanded nor received money from aspirants

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By Henry Umoru

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ABUJA — THE Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has dismissed reports alleging irregularities in its candidate selection and financing ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that there were no illegal payments or favouritism in the process.

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The party said its decision to seek donations, levies and contributions from members, aspirants and supporters was lawful, strategic and provided for in its constitution.

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In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Tuesday, the NDC said political parties globally relied on donations, levies and contributions from members, supporters and stakeholders to fund their operations.

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The party said it was not funded with money allegedly diverted from government treasuries, but through contributions from members, stakeholders and well-wishers.

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Director specifically denied allegations that the party’s National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, demanded or received money from aspirants for personal use.

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He said all contributions were paid into designated party accounts, receipted and managed by the appropriate organs of the party.

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According to him, the NDC was established without a sitting president, governor, minister or other public office holder, making the task of building and sustaining its structures particularly challenging ahead of the 2027 elections.

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He said the party therefore adopted a proactive fundraising strategy to support its operations and electoral activities.

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The statement read in part: “The NDC therefore took a proactive decision to solicit financial support from aspirants, stakeholders, and members of the public to fund party operations. This is provided for in the party’s constitution.

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“All such contributions, levies, and donations were paid directly into the designated party account and received and managed by the appropriate organs of the party.

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“The National Leader of our party neither demanded nor received any money from any aspirant for personal use. All funds were duly received, receipted, and accounted for in line with global best practices.”

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The party said it would render a full account of its finances as required by the Electoral Act and guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

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It also rejected claims that its tickets were sold to aspirants, saying the presidential and vice-presidential tickets were offered free of charge based on the party’s assessment of the candidates.

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“Does that mean that party tickets were sold in the NDC? The presidential and vice-presidential tickets were offered free of charge because of our belief in the quality of the candidates. The same applied to several other candidates,” the party said.

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The NDC described its fundraising efforts as necessary for building a national opposition party and fielding candidates across the country ahead of the 2027 elections.

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It said: “The decision to seek donations and levies from members is not only appropriate but strategic. Our party is funded not by stolen funds from government treasuries at any level, but by donations, levies, and contributions from members, stakeholders, and well-wishers.”

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The party challenged anyone claiming to have paid money to an individual outside its designated account to come forward with evidence.

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It said it was considering legal action against those it accused of spreading false information about its finances and candidate selection process.

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The NDC also maintained that Dickson was not paid by the party and had neither solicited nor received money from anyone among the thousands of people who had interacted with him since the party was formed.

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The party urged the media, its members and the public to disregard what it described as false narratives, insisting that it remained committed to transparency, due process and justice.

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