The Nigeria Democratic Congress has rejected claims that donations and levies collected from aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections were misappropriated, maintaining that all funds received were deposited into the party’s designated account and handled by the authorised party organs.
In a statement released on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the party described the allegations concerning its candidate selection and funding arrangements as a calculated attempt to spread misinformation and propaganda, allegedly driven by dissatisfied individuals.
The development comes as political parties and aspirants intensify preparations for the 2027 elections, with various emerging platforms working to expand their structures, attract supporters and mobilise resources for their campaigns.
The NDC, which has presented itself as an opposition platform ahead of the elections, said its lack of elected public officeholders had created the need to obtain financial contributions from 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.
“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 party’s spokesperson also dismissed accusations against the NDC National Leader, Seriake Dickson, that he personally requested or collected funds from aspirants for his own benefit.
He insisted that every contribution received by the party was properly recorded and accounted for.
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 further argued that voluntary donations and levies were essential to its efforts to establish a nationwide political structure and contest elections across the country, particularly without the financial advantages enjoyed by incumbent governments.
“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.
