By Opeyemi Adelakun
The Nigeria Democratic Congress has dismissed allegations of financial diversion involving donations and levies reportedly collected from aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party said the funds were paid into its designated account and managed through the appropriate party organs, describing contrary claims as misinformation allegedly being circulated by disgruntled political elements.
The NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, made the position known in a statement issued on Tuesday amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 elections.
Director explained that the party’s decision to solicit financial support from members, aspirants, stakeholders and other supporters was driven by the need to build a nationwide political structure without access to the resources available to incumbent governments.
He said the party’s funding arrangement was permitted by its constitution and consistent with the practice of political parties globally.
“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,” he stated.
The spokesman also rejected allegations that the party’s National Leader, Seriake Dickson, personally demanded or received money from aspirants.
According to him, all payments were documented and properly accounted for, while the party would provide financial records as required by law.
“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,” Director said.
He further challenged anyone who claimed to have paid money to an individual instead of the party’s designated account to produce evidence.
“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,” he added.
Director said the party was considering legal action against individuals responsible for spreading what it described as false claims.
The NDC also rejected suggestions that its presidential and vice-presidential tickets were sold to aspirants, saying both tickets were offered free because of its confidence in the candidates.
He explained that although financing remained crucial to election planning, particularly for opposition parties competing against incumbent governments, fundraising did not amount to the commercialisation of party tickets.
“The presidential and vice-presidential tickets were offered free of charge because we believed in the quality of the candidates. The same applied to several other candidates,” he said.
The party argued that building a national opposition structure within months of a general election required substantial resources, particularly for a party without elected officeholders.
It said voluntary contributions and levies were therefore necessary to support its organisational expansion and electoral preparations.
The NDC further defended Dickson’s reputation, describing allegations linking him to financial impropriety as an attempt to damage the image of both the former Bayelsa State governor and the party.
The party maintained that it would remain focused on expanding its political base and preparing for the 2027 elections despite the allegations.
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