The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed allegations of illegal payments and favouritism in its candidate selection process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party, in a statement on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, described the allegations as a “deliberate misinformation and propaganda” campaign by disgruntled elements threatened by its growing popularity.
The NDC said it had sought financial support from aspirants, members, stakeholders and members of the public because, as a new opposition party without a president, governors, ministers or other public office holders, it needed resources to build its structures.
According to the party, such donations, levies and contributions were paid directly into its designated account and managed by the appropriate organs.
The party said its constitution provided for the contributions and that funding through membership subscriptions, donations and levies was an accepted practice among political parties.
“The National Leader of our party neither demanded nor received any money from any aspirant for personal use,” Mr Director said.
He said all funds received by the party were receipted and accounted for, adding that the NDC would render a full account of its finances in line with the Electoral Act and guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The party also challenged anyone claiming to have paid money to an individual outside its designated account to produce 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,” Mr Director said.
The NDC rejected claims that its party tickets were sold, saying its presidential and vice-presidential tickets were offered free of charge because of its confidence in the candidates.
“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,” the statement said.
The party said the decision to raise funds through donations and levies was necessary to enable it to compete with an incumbent government and establish a nationwide political structure within months of the 2027 elections.
It described its rapid expansion and preparations for the elections as “a political miracle”, particularly because, according to the party, it was achieved without the backing of “moneybags and the establishment”.
The NDC accused unnamed opposition figures and “sponsored elements” of orchestrating the allegations because they were unsettled by what it called the party’s increasing national acceptance.
The party, however, did not identify those it accused or provide evidence to substantiate the claim.
It also said it was considering legal action against those responsible for what it described as falsehoods.
The party further defended its national leader against the allegations, citing his public service background and describing his values as rooted in “integrity, honesty and simplicity”.
“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 statement said.
The NDC said its national leader was not paid by the party and maintained that its political activities were not funded with stolen public funds.
“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,” it said.
The party said its objective was to “salvage Nigeria” and build a new country based on transparency, due process and justice.
It urged the media, its members and the public to reject what it called a “campaign of calumny” designed to damage the image of the party and undermine its growing political momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.
