2027: NDC Denies Ticket Sales, Defends Fundraising From Members and Aspirants

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has defended its fundraising activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, denying allegations that aspirants were made to pay for party tickets or that its candidate selection process was influenced by money or favouritism.

The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, on Tuesday, said donations, levies and contributions from members, aspirants, supporters and stakeholders were legitimate sources of funding permitted under its constitution.

According to the NDC, political parties worldwide rely on such contributions to finance their operations and activities.

It also rejected claims that its funds came from money allegedly diverted from government treasuries, saying the party was financed through contributions from members, stakeholders and well-wishers.

Director specifically denied claims that the party’s National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, had demanded or received money from aspirants for personal use.

He said all funds contributed to the party were paid into designated accounts, properly receipted and managed by the relevant party organs.

The party explained that its fundraising efforts became necessary because it was established without a sitting president, governor, minister or other public office holder, making the creation and maintenance of a nationwide political structure particularly difficult.

It said it consequently adopted a proactive approach to fundraising to finance party operations and preparations for the 2027 elections.

The NDC stated: “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.”

It added: “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.”

The party further insisted: “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 NDC said it would account for its finances as required by the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.

On allegations that party tickets were sold, the NDC dismissed the claims, saying its presidential and vice-presidential tickets were given to candidates without payment because of the party’s confidence in their suitability.

“Does that 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 party said.

The NDC maintained that its fundraising strategy was essential to building a strong national opposition party and enabling it to field candidates across the country.

“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,” it said.

The party challenged anyone who claimed to have made payments to individuals outside its designated accounts to produce evidence.

It also disclosed that it was considering legal action against those allegedly responsible for spreading what it described as false claims about its finances and candidate selection process.

The party reiterated that Dickson had not been paid by the NDC and had neither solicited nor received money from anyone among the thousands of people who had interacted with him since the party’s formation.

The NDC urged the media, its members and the public to disregard the allegations, reaffirming its commitment to transparency, due process and justice.

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