NDC Responds to Claims of Misusing Aspirant Funds

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has rejected claims that it misused donations and levies from aspirants for the 2027 general elections. The party said all funds collected were deposited into the right account and managed by the proper party organs.

In a statement released on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the party called the reports about its candidate selection and funding process a planned effort to spread false information. They claimed this was pushed by some unhappy individuals.

This denial comes as political parties and aspirants gear up for the 2027 elections. Many are trying to strengthen their structures, recruit members, and raise funds for their campaigns.

The NDC is positioning itself as an opposition party for the upcoming elections. Since it has no elected officials, the party needs financial support from its members, stakeholders, aspirants, and supporters.

Director 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."

He added, "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."

The spokesman also defended the NDC National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, against claims he demanded money from aspirants. He insisted all contributions were properly documented.

He stated, "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 NDC emphasized that raising funds through voluntary contributions and levies is vital for a political party aiming to build a national presence and field candidates nationwide without the resources of those in power.

"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 party stated.

According to the NDC, its choice to seek funds from members and supporters is both smart and legitimate. "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."

"Those spreading this false information are sponsored elements and opposition figures who are unsettled by the growing popularity and acceptability of our party nationwide. The general public is hereby enjoined to disregard such falsehoods," the statement read.

Director invited anyone who claims they paid money to someone instead of the party's designated account to provide proof. He warned that the party would not protect any official found guilty. "Anyone who claims to have paid money to any individual other than the designated party account should come forward with proof. The NDC will not shield anyone. The party and its national leadership are considering appropriate legal action against the purveyors of such falsehoods."

He added, "Of the several thousands who have interacted with our National Leader since the formation of the party to date, there is no record of him asking for or receiving money from anyone. The National Leader is not paid by the NDC."

While acknowledging that funding is key for election planning, especially for opposition parties, the NDC made it clear that the candidate selection process is not based on selling party tickets.

He said, "As experienced politicians, the national leader and the party leadership are fully aware that the capacity to fund elections in opposition to an incumbent government at all levels is a critical factor in election planning. That does not 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 NDC also defended its National Leader's integrity. They said attempts to connect him with financial wrongdoing are part of a plan to harm his reputation and the party's rising political status. "Given the public service background of our National Leader, it is incongruous to link him with any unwholesome practice. His entire lifestyle is anchored on the values of integrity, honesty, and simplicity, as attested to by all who have interacted with him. The orchestrated campaign of calumny is designed to dent and destroy the image of our party and blur the massive traction the NDC is gaining nationwide," it said.

The party insisted it would stay focused on its political goals and not be distracted by these claims.