2027: NDC Speaks on Alleged Diversion of Aspirants’ Levies, Donations

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected allegations that money collected from aspirants, members and other supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections was diverted or mismanaged.

The party said all donations, levies and other financial contributions were paid into its designated account and handled through the appropriate party structures.

However, NDC denied claims that its National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, personally demanded or collected money from aspirants seeking elective positions on the party’s platform.

The party made its position known in a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director.

Director said the allegations were part of what he described as a deliberate campaign of misinformation targeted at the party’s leadership and its candidate selection process.

According to him, the NDC had to develop its own funding arrangements because it is a new political party without elected public officials whose positions could provide access to government resources.

He explained that the party needed substantial funding to establish structures across the country, mobilise supporters and prepare candidates for the 2027 elections.

Director said the decision to seek financial support from aspirants, members, stakeholders and other supporters was allowed under the party’s constitution.

He 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.”

Director specifically addressed allegations involving Dickson, saying the former Bayelsa State governor did not collect money from aspirants for personal use.

“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 spokesman further argued that raising money from members and supporters was necessary because the party was attempting to build a national political organisation without the financial backing available to parties controlling government institutions.

He said the party had to mobilise resources within a short period while also preparing to contest elections at different levels across the country.

“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.

The party maintained that its funding did not come from government treasuries.

It instead attributed its financial activities to donations, levies and contributions from members, stakeholders and well-wishers.

“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 also challenged anyone who claims to have made payments to individual party officials instead of the designated party account to provide evidence.

He said the party would not protect any member found to have acted outside its approved financial procedures.

“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.

The party also rejected suggestions that aspirants were required to buy their way into the NDC’s candidate selection process.

According to the spokesman, the leadership understood the importance of having adequate resources to compete against established political parties, but maintained that financial contributions did not amount to the sale of party tickets.

He said the party’s presidential and vice-presidential tickets were offered without charge, alongside those of several other candidates.

“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 of our belief in the quality of the candidates. The same applied to several other candidates.”

Director further defended Dickson against what the party described as attempts to associate him with financial misconduct.

The NDC spokesman said the allegations were intended to damage the reputation of the former Bayelsa governor and weaken the party as it expands its political activities ahead of the 2027 polls.

“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,” the party said.

The NDC said it remained committed to its preparations for the 2027 elections despite the allegations.