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From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed allegations of financial impropriety against its National leader, Sen. Seriake Dickson, insisting that he never demanded or received money from any aspirant since the formation of the party.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, on Tuesday, the party said all legitimate donations, levies and contributions made by aspirants, members and other stakeholders were paid into its designated account and managed by the appropriate organs.
The NDC said the allegations were part of an orchestrated campaign to tarnish the image of its national leader and undermine the growing acceptance of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“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 party said.
It challenged anyone claiming to have paid money to iDickson or any individual outside the designated party account 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 said.
The party explained that as a new opposition platform without a president, governor, minister or other public office holder, it had to raise funds to establish its structures and field candidates across the country.
It said the decision to solicit donations, levies and contributions from members and aspirants was provided for in its constitution and was necessary to sustain the party’s operations.
The NDC, however, rejected claims that such contributions amounted to the sale of party tickets.
It said the presidential and vice-presidential tickets were offered free of charge because of its confidence in the candidates, adding that several other candidates also obtained their tickets without payment.
“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.
According to the NDC, while election financing remains critical to the success of any political party, particularly an opposition party challenging an incumbent government, this should not be confused with selling political tickets.
“As experienced politicians, the national leader and the party leadership are fully aware that 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,” it said.
The party also insisted that none of its funds came from government coffers, saying its operations were financed through donations and contributions from its members, stakeholders and supporters.
“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 statement said.
The NDC further pledged to account for its finances in accordance with the Electoral Act and guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“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 party said.
Defending his integrity, the NDC said the National Leader’s public service background and personal conduct were inconsistent with the allegations being circulated 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,” it said.
It said it was considering legal action against those responsible for the alleged falsehoods, while urging its members and the public to disregard the allegations.
