NDC Denies Selling Tickets, Claims It Raised Funds Via Member Donations
NDC Denies Selling Tickets, Claims It Raised Funds Via Member Donations
Exposing what it termed a deliberate campaign of calumny, the NDC challenged anyone with evidence of unwholesome transactions or cash payments to individuals to step forward publicly with proof.
The opposition Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed allegations of financial extortion and ticket racketeering ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the claims as coordinated propaganda sponsored by political adversaries.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the party clarified that it solicited financial support from its members, aspirants, and the public strictly in accordance with its constitution to sustain party operations.
The party insisted that all levies, donations, and contributions were paid directly into designated party accounts and managed by authorised organs, adding that no official or national leader demanded or received funds for personal enrichment.
Exposing what it termed a deliberate campaign of calumny, the NDC challenged anyone with evidence of unwholesome transactions or cash payments to individuals to step forward publicly with proof.
The statement read in part: “The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC has noted with concern a wave of deliberate misinformation and propaganda being circulated by certain disgruntled elements regarding the party’s candidate selection and financing process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“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.”
Reaffirming the transparency of its financial architecture, the party declared that political party financing through voluntary subscriptions is a globally recognized democratic practice, contrasting its funding model with state-sponsored treasuries.
“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.
“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,” the director stated.
Addressing accusations levelled against its national leadership, the party defended its National Leader’s integrity, revealing that high-profile tickets, including the presidential and vice-presidential slots, were offered without financial demands.
“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. 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.
“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,” the statement added.
Vowing to submit its financial records to regulatory authorities as mandated by law, the NDC warned those spreading false narratives that legal proceedings were being considered.
“The party will render a full account of all its finances as required by the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines, as and when due.
“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.
“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,” the director warned.
