NDC to unveil campaign council, publish statement of account Monday

From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) will unveil its National Campaign Council and present its statement of account at a meeting of its National Executive Committee (NEC) in Abuja on Monday.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said the presentation of financial records by the national treasurer was intended to demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability. He challenged other political parties, particularly the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), to adopt similar measures.

“For the NDC, it is no longer politics as usual,” Director said. He disclosed that the party’s finances would have been stronger if more candidates had been able to pay for expression-of-interest forms.

According to him, about 80 per cent of its candidates could not afford the forms because of poverty, hunger and deprivation, which he blamed on the APC-led government’s economic policies.

He said the party consequently issued the forms to affected candidates free of charge.

Director added that the NEC meeting would feature the unveiling of a National Campaign Council covering presidential, National Assembly, governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns.

Candidates for the various elective offices would also receive their Certificates of Return at the meeting.

He said the NDC was prepared to offer Nigerians what he described as altruistic leadership.

“The NDC is turbo-charged and ready to give Nigerians the altruistic leadership the nation deserves,” he said.