The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has rejected allegations that aspirants seeking its tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections were subjected to illegal payments or preferential treatment.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, made the clarification in a statement issued on Monday, describing reports that aspirants were asked to pay for party tickets as untrue.
According to the NDC, its financial structure has largely been sustained through donations, levies and voluntary contributions from aspirants, members, stakeholders and supporters.
The party explained that, as a relatively new political organisation without elected office holders such as a president, governors or ministers, such contributions had become necessary to finance its activities and establish structures across the country.
It stressed that funds contributed to the party were paid into its officially designated account and administered by the appropriate party organs.
“The National Leader of our party neither demanded nor received any money from any aspirant for personal use,” the statement said.
The NDC further stated that its presidential and vice-presidential tickets were issued without charge, adding that several other candidates also obtained their tickets free of payment.
It said its constitution allows the mobilisation of donations and levies, arguing that the practice was necessary to strengthen its structures and position the party as a nationwide opposition platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
On financial accountability, the party pledged to provide a comprehensive account of its income and expenditure in line with the Electoral Act and regulatory guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
The NDC also challenged anyone who claimed to have paid money to an individual outside the party’s authorised account to provide evidence of such transactions.
It warned that the party would not protect anyone established to have acted improperly, regardless of their position.
The opposition party attributed the allegations to unnamed political opponents and “sponsored elements”, accusing them of attempting to discredit the organisation and weaken its growing support ahead of the 2027 elections.
It equally dismissed allegations of financial misconduct against its National Leader, describing the claims as part of an effort to damage his reputation.
The party disclosed that it was considering legal proceedings against individuals responsible for what it described as false and defamatory allegations.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, due process and justice, the NDC urged the media, party members and members of the public to disregard what it called false narratives concerning its candidate selection and funding arrangements.
