The Nigeria Democratic Congress has dismissed claims that donations and levies collected from aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections were diverted, saying all funds were paid into the party’s official account and managed by the appropriate organs.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, described the allegations as a campaign of misinformation and propaganda by aggrieved elements.
The denial comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 polls. The NDC, which currently has no elected officeholders, said it had to rely on members, stakeholders and aspirants for funding.
Director explained that as a new party without a president, governors or ministers, sustaining the party was a major challenge.
“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,” he said.
“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 party’s National Leader, Seriake Dickson, against claims that he personally collected money from aspirants. He said all contributions were documented and receipted.
“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,” he added.
The NDC said raising funds through voluntary contributions was necessary to build a nationwide structure and field candidates without access to government resources.
“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,” the statement read.
The party accused unnamed opponents of sponsoring the allegations to undermine its growing popularity.
“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,” Director said.
He challenged anyone with proof of payments made to individuals instead of the party account to come forward, warning that the NDC would not shield any culpable official and was considering legal action against those spreading falsehoods.
“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 stated.
On candidate selection, the party insisted tickets were not sold. According to Director, the presidential and vice-presidential tickets were offered free because of the quality of the candidates, and the same applied to several other aspirants.
“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,” he said.
The NDC also defended Dickson’s integrity, describing attempts to link him to financial impropriety as an orchestrated campaign to damage his reputation and the party’s image.
“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,” the party said.
The NDC said it would remain focused on its political objectives despite the allegations.