By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has denied allegations of illegal payments and favouritism in its candidate selection and financing processes ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that no party ticket was sold to aspirants.
The party said its financing structure was based on donations, levies and contributions from members, stakeholders and well-wishers, with all funds paid directly into designated party accounts.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the NDC said it was responding to what it described as “deliberate misinformation and propaganda” being circulated by disgruntled elements over its candidate selection and funding arrangements.
The party explained that as a new political organisation without a president, governors, ministers or other public office holders, it faced the challenge of mobilising resources to establish and sustain its structures.
According to the NDC, it therefore took a decision to solicit financial support from aspirants, stakeholders and members of the public to fund its operations, adding that such contributions were permitted under its 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 said.
The party maintained that receiving financial contributions from members and supporters was a normal practice among political organisations worldwide.
The NDC also dismissed allegations that its National Leader demanded or received 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 statement said.
It assured Nigerians that it would render a full account of its finances in accordance with the Electoral Act and guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The party argued that funding remained an essential component of political organisation and election planning, particularly for an opposition party attempting to build a nationwide structure within months of a general election.
“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,” it said.
The NDC claimed that its rapid expansion, including its ability to field candidates across several constituencies, was an achievement that few politicians could accomplish without support from wealthy individuals or the political establishment.
It stressed that the party was not financed with public funds or money allegedly stolen from government treasuries.
“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,” the statement said.
The party challenged anyone claiming to have made payments to individuals outside its designated account to provide evidence.
“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,” it said.
The NDC added that its leadership was considering legal action against individuals it accused of spreading false information about the party’s financing and candidate selection processes.
It further said that thousands of people had interacted with its National Leader since the formation of the party, but there was no record of him asking for or receiving money from anyone.
“The National Leader is not paid by the NDC,” the party added.
While acknowledging the importance of campaign financing in opposition to an incumbent government, the NDC rejected claims that its tickets were sold to aspirants.
According to the party, the presidential and vice-presidential tickets were offered without charge because of its confidence in the candidates, while several other candidates were treated similarly.
“Given the public service background of our National Leader, it is incongruous to link him with any unwholesome practice,” the NDC said, describing his values as anchored on integrity, honesty and simplicity.
The party accused unnamed political opponents and sponsored elements of orchestrating a campaign aimed at damaging its reputation and slowing its growing popularity across the country.
It, however, said it would remain focused on its political objectives despite the allegations.
“The NDC remains committed to building a new Nigeria on the pillars of transparency, due process, and justice. We will not be distracted,” it said.
The party urged the media, its members and the general public to disregard what it described as false narratives, insisting that its objective was to “salvage Nigeria” ahead of the 2027 elections.
“No amount of propaganda will stop the movement,” the party declared.
