The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has rebuffed the allegations that donations and levies generated from aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections were diverted, saying all funds contributed to the party were paid into its designated account and managed by the appropriate party organs.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said the reports and allegations surrounding its candidate selection and financing process as a calculated campaign of misinformation and propaganda allegedly being carried out by disgruntled individuals.
The party’s spokesman said, “As a new party without a president, governors, ministers, or other holders of public office, the task of building and sustaining the party posed an existential challenge.
“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.
“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.
“It is standard practice worldwide for political parties to receive donations, levies, and contributions from members, supporters, and stakeholders.”
Director defended the NDC National Leader, Seriake Dickson, against allegations that he personally requested or received money from aspirants, insisting that all contributions were properly documented.
He added that, “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.
“The financing of political parties through membership subscriptions and contributions is a universally accepted practice. The party will render a full account of all its finances as required by the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines, as and when due.”
The party also emphasised that raising funds through voluntary contributions and levies was necessary for a political party seeking to build a nationwide structure and field candidates across the country.
“Any serious political leader starting a campaign or building a national party understands what it takes: commitment, selflessness, strategic planning, and the resources required to build an opposition party in the current circumstances of our country — within months of a general election — while fielding candidates for all positions and in almost every constituency.
“This is a political miracle, and only a few politicians can accomplish it, especially without the backing of moneybags and the establishment,” the statement said.
