NDC Denies Selling Tickets, Defends Donations and Levies

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected allegations of financial misconduct and favouritism in its candidate selection process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party said the donations, levies, and contributions it seeks from members, aspirants, supporters, and other stakeholders are lawful and provided for under its constitution.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the party explained that political organisations depend on financial contributions from members and supporters to run their activities.

The NDC said it was not relying on money allegedly diverted from government resources, noting that its operations were being funded through contributions from members, stakeholders and well-wishers.

The party also denied allegations that its National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, demanded or collected money from aspirants for personal use.

According to the party, all financial contributions were paid into designated NDC accounts, properly receipted and handled by the appropriate party organs.

The NDC said the party was formed without a serving president, governor, minister, or other public office holder, making it harder to establish structures and prepare for the 2027 elections.

It therefore adopted a fundraising strategy to generate resources for its operations and electoral activities.

The party maintained that its financial activities would be properly accounted for in accordance with the Electoral Act and guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The NDC also dismissed claims that aspirants were required to buy its electoral tickets.

It said its presidential and vice-presidential tickets were offered without charges after the party assessed the candidates, adding that the same approach applied to several other candidates.

The party described its fundraising activities as necessary for developing a nationwide opposition structure and preparing candidates for elections across the country.

It challenged anyone who claimed to have made payments to individuals outside the party’s designated accounts to produce evidence of such transactions.

The NDC further said it was considering legal action against individuals it accused of spreading false claims about its finances and candidate selection process.

The party also rejected claims that Dickson received payment from the NDC or collected money from people who had interacted with him since the party was established.

The NDC urged the media, its members and the general public to disregard what it described as misinformation, while assuring that it remained committed to transparency, due process and fairness in its activities.