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…Tells Accusers To Produce Evidence of Money Paid To Individuals
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has launched a fierce defence of its candidate-selection and financing processes, declaring that “no party ticket was sold” and challenging anyone alleging that money was paid to individuals to produce evidence.
The major opposition party, in a strongly worded statement on Monday, accused unnamed political opponents and “sponsored elements” of mounting a campaign of calumny aimed at damaging the reputation of its leadership and frustrating what it described as the party’s rapidly growing acceptance across the country.
The statement, signed by the NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq., followed allegations and narratives circulating over the party’s candidate selection and financial arrangements ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party insisted that its financial operations were legitimate, saying contributions, levies and donations from aspirants, members, stakeholders and well-wishers were paid into designated party accounts and managed by the appropriate organs.
The NDC, which described itself as a new party without a sitting president, governor, minister or other public office holder, said raising funds to build a nationwide political structure had presented an “existential challenge”.
It said the decision to seek financial contributions from members and stakeholders was therefore deliberate and strategic, rather than evidence of wrongdoing.
“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 said.
‘National Leader Never Asked Anyone For Money’
The NDC also mounted a categorical defence of its National Leader, insisting that he neither demanded nor received money from any aspirant for personal use.
“The National Leader of our party neither demanded nor received any money from any aspirant for personal use,” the statement said, adding that funds received by the party were “duly received, receipted, and accounted for”.
The party challenged anyone claiming otherwise 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,” it declared.
The party further disclosed that its leadership was considering legal action against those responsible for what it described as false claims.
‘Tickets Were Not Sold’
One of the strongest aspects of the NDC’s response was its rejection of allegations that political tickets were sold to aspirants.
The party said its presidential and vice-presidential tickets were offered free of charge because of its confidence in the candidates, adding that the same arrangement applied to several other candidates.
“That does not mean that party tickets were sold in the NDC,” it said.
The party nevertheless acknowledged the critical role of financing in electoral politics, particularly for an opposition party seeking to challenge an incumbent government.
According to the NDC, experienced politicians understand that the capacity to finance electioneering activities is an important component of strategic electoral planning.
‘Building Party In Months A Political Miracle’
The party also sought to put its fundraising efforts in the context of the enormous organisational demands associated with building a national political structure shortly before a general election.
It said the NDC had been required to build structures across the country while fielding candidates for multiple elective positions and in almost every constituency.
“This is a political miracle, and only a few politicians can accomplish it, especially without the backing of moneybags and the establishment,” the party declared.
It maintained that its funding had not come from government treasuries but from donations, levies and contributions by members, stakeholders and supporters.
NDC Promises Financial Disclosure
The opposition party also sought to reassure the public that its financial affairs would be subjected to the relevant electoral requirements.
It promised to render a full account of its finances as required by the Electoral Act and guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The party said transparency, due process and justice remained central to its stated objective of building a “new Nigeria”.
‘Campaign Of Calumny Won’t Stop Us’
In an unusually combative conclusion, the NDC accused its critics of attempting to use the allegations to blur what it described as the party’s growing political traction nationwide.
It urged Nigerians, its members and the media to disregard what it described as false narratives.
The party said the record of its National Leader’s public service and personal conduct should also be considered in assessing the allegations against him.
“His entire lifestyle is anchored on the values of integrity, honesty, and simplicity, as attested to by all who have interacted with him,” the NDC said.
The party added: “The NDC remains committed to building a new Nigeria on the pillars of transparency, due process, and justice. We will not be distracted.”
It then delivered its clearest political message to its critics: “The NDC is here to salvage Nigeria, and no amount of propaganda will stop the movement.”
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