The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed allegations about its candidate selection and financing process ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that all donations and contributions received by the party were properly documented and would be accounted for in accordance with the Electoral Act and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, gave this assurance in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday while reacting to what he described as a coordinated campaign of misinformation by opponents seeking to discredit the party.
According to him, the NDC, as a newly established political party without elected public office holders, relied on financial support from aspirants, stakeholders and members of the public to fund its operations.
He explained that the decision to solicit donations and levies was provided for in the party’s constitution and was necessary to sustain its activities and preparations for the 2027 elections.
Director said all contributions were paid directly into the party’s designated account and handled by the appropriate organs of the party, stressing that every donation was receipted and properly accounted for.
“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 said.
He also denied claims that the party’s National Leader personally demanded or received money from aspirants, maintaining that there was no record of such transactions since the formation of the party.
According to him, anyone alleging that money was paid to any individual outside the party’s designated account should provide evidence, adding that the party would not protect any person found culpable.
The NDC spokesman further stated that financing political parties through donations, membership subscriptions and contributions from supporters was a globally accepted practice and not peculiar to the party.
He argued that building a national opposition platform within a short period and fielding candidates across the country required significant commitment and resources, describing the party’s achievements so far as remarkable.
Director said the NDC’s funding model was based on donations and contributions from members, stakeholders and well-wishers rather than public funds.
He alleged that those spreading the allegations were sponsored elements and opposition figures unsettled by the party’s growing popularity across the country.
The spokesman also rejected claims that party tickets were sold, noting that the presidential and vice-presidential tickets were offered free of charge, while several other candidates also emerged without paying for nominations.
He maintained that the party’s National Leader had built a reputation for integrity, honesty and simplicity throughout his public service career and should not be linked to any form of financial impropriety.
Director said the NDC remained committed to transparency, due process and justice, adding that it would not be distracted by what he described as an orchestrated campaign aimed at tarnishing its image.
He urged members of the public and the media to disregard the allegations and remain focused on the party’s vision for national transformation.
