The Nigeria Democratic Congress has denied allegations that donations and levies raised from aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections were diverted, insisting that all funds contributed to the party were paid into its designated account and managed by the appropriate party organs.
The party, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, described reports and allegations surrounding its candidate selection and financing process as a deliberate campaign of misinformation and propaganda allegedly being promoted by disgruntled elements.
The denial comes amid growing political activities and preparations by political parties and aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections, with emerging political platforms seeking to strengthen their structures, recruit members and raise funds for electioneering activities.
The NDC, which has been positioning itself as an opposition platform ahead of the polls, said its status as a party without elected officeholders had made it necessary to seek financial support from members, stakeholders, aspirants and other 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.
“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, Seriake Dickson, against allegations that he personally demanded or received money from aspirants, insisting that 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 also highlighted 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 without access to the resources available to incumbent administrations.
“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 said.
According to the NDC, its decision to raise funds from members and supporters was both strategic 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 peddling this misinformation 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 challenged anyone who allegedly paid money to an individual rather than into the party’s designated account to provide evidence, warning that it would not protect any official found culpable.
“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.
“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,” he said.
While acknowledging that funding remained a critical component of election planning, particularly for opposition parties challenging incumbent governments, the NDC maintained that its candidate selection process was not based on the sale of 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 we believed in the quality of the candidates. The same applied to several other candidates.”
The NDC further defended the personal integrity of its national leader, describing attempts to link him with alleged financial impropriety as an orchestrated campaign to damage both his reputation and the party’s growing political profile.
“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, however, insisted that it would remain focused on its political objectives and would not be distracted by the allegations.
Source: punchng.com
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