The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has denied allegations that money raised from aspirants through levies and donations ahead of the 2027 general elections was diverted, saying all contributions were paid into the party’s official account and handled by the appropriate organs.
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The party made this known on Tuesday through its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, amid allegations concerning its funding arrangements and the process of selecting candidates for the 2027 elections.
The NDC described the allegations as an attempt by disgruntled individuals and political opponents to spread false information about the party as it continues to expand its structures ahead of the elections.
The party said its financial needs had increased because it is a new opposition party without elected public officials such as a president, governors or ministers who could provide institutional support.
According to the NDC, it therefore sought financial contributions from members, aspirants, stakeholders and supporters to meet the cost of running its activities and building a political structure across the country.
The party maintained that the contributions and levies were paid directly into its designated account rather than to individuals. It added that the funds were received and managed through the relevant party organs in line with its internal rules.
The NDC also rejected claims that its National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, personally demanded or collected money from aspirants.
The party said there was no record of Dickson requesting or receiving money from any aspirant for personal use. It added that payments made to the party were documented and accounted for.
The party further stated that it would provide a full account of its finances in line with the Electoral Act and guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission when required.
The NDC said raising funds through membership contributions, donations and levies was necessary for an opposition party trying to establish a nationwide presence and prepare candidates for different elective positions.
It argued that building a political organisation within a short period before a general election requires funding, planning and commitment, particularly for a party that does not have the backing of an incumbent government.
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The party maintained that its decision to seek financial support from members and other stakeholders was lawful and part of its strategy to strengthen its operations.
It also rejected claims that its political activities were being funded with money taken from government resources, insisting that its finances came from donations, contributions and levies from members, supporters and stakeholders.
The NDC accused those spreading the allegations of attempting to damage the reputation of the party because of its growing acceptance across the country.
The party called on anyone claiming to have paid money to an individual instead of its official account to provide evidence of such payments.
It also stated that it would not protect any party official found to have improperly collected money and said legal steps could be taken against people responsible for spreading false claims.
The NDC further said its National Leader was not paid by the party and maintained that thousands of people who had interacted with him since the formation of the organisation had not produced evidence that he demanded money from them.
On the issue of candidate selection, the party rejected claims that its tickets were sold to aspirants. It explained that while the ability to finance an election remains an important part of political planning, particularly for opposition parties challenging incumbent governments, this did not mean candidates were required to buy party tickets.
The NDC said its presidential and vice-presidential tickets were given without charges because of its confidence in the candidates, adding that several other candidates were treated in the same manner.
The party also defended Dickson’s record and personal integrity, saying attempts to connect him with financial wrongdoing were part of a campaign aimed at damaging his reputation and weakening the party.
Despite the allegations, the NDC said it would continue with its preparations for the 2027 elections and remain focused on expanding its political structure and pursuing its objectives.
The party’s response comes as political activities increase ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition groups and other political platforms working to raise funds, attract members and build structures across the country.
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