2027: NDC denies diverting aspirant levies, donations

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has firmly denied allegations that it has been diverting funds from contributions and levies received from aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a statement released by their National Publicity Secretary, the party insisted that all funds contributed to the party are deposited directly into its designated bank account and managed by the appropriate party organs.

The NDC characterized the allegations as a deliberate campaign of misinformation and propaganda, likely being promoted by disgruntled elements within the political landscape.

This denial comes as political parties and aspirants gear up for the upcoming 2027 general elections, with various platforms strengthening their structures, recruiting members, and seeking financial support for electioneering activities. The NDC, positioning itself as an opposition party without existing elected officials, explained that raising funds from members, stakeholders, aspirants, and other supporters is necessary due to its status as a party without holders of public office.

The statement emphasized that the task of building and sustaining the party is challenging for a new party without existing leaders, prompting the decision to solicit financial support from all sources. The NDC clarified that all contributions, levies, and donations are accounted for according to global best practices and party constitution.

The spokesman defended party National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, against allegations that he personally demanded or received money from aspirants, stating that all funds have been properly documented and are accounted for in line with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.

The NDC highlighted that the fundraising process through voluntary contributions and levies is crucial for a political party aiming to establish a nationwide structure and field candidates across the country without access to resources available to incumbent administrations. The statement also noted that such fundraising is a strategic and legitimate decision, portraying the party as committed to building itself from the ground up without any unethical financial practices.

The party cautioned anyone who claims to have made payments to individuals instead of the designated party account to provide evidence, warning that they will not shield anyone found guilty of such actions. It also stated that its candidate selection process is not based on selling party tickets, with presidential and vice-presidential tickets offered for free to candidates believed to be of quality.

The party dismissed any notion of selling tickets, emphasizing that the integrity of its National Leader, Senator Dickson, is being targeted by a campaign to damage both his reputation and the party’s growing political profile.