By Stephen Simon
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has denied allegations that its National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, demanded or received money from aspirants seeking the party’s tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party said all legitimate donations, levies and financial contributions from aspirants, members, stakeholders and supporters were paid into designated party accounts and managed through authorised party structures.
In a statement on Tuesday, NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, described the allegations as part of what he called a campaign of misinformation and propaganda by disgruntled elements and political opponents seeking to undermine the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Director specifically rejected claims linking Dickson to the alleged collection of money from aspirants, saying the former public servant’s record and personal conduct were inconsistent with the allegations.
The party acknowledged that aspirants and members had been asked to contribute financially towards its activities, but maintained that such payments were legitimate donations and levies permitted under its constitution.
According to the NDC, the funds were paid directly into designated party accounts rather than to individual leaders and were administered by the appropriate organs of the party.
Director said the financial demands of establishing and sustaining a new opposition party without the backing of serving public office holders made contributions from members and supporters necessary.
He maintained that the decision to solicit donations and levies was strategic and lawful, particularly with the 2027 elections approaching and the party seeking to establish structures and field candidates across the country.
The party also rejected suggestions that its nomination tickets were being sold to the highest bidders. It said its presidential and vice-presidential tickets were offered free of charge and that several other candidates had similarly obtained their tickets without payment.
The NDC challenged anyone who claimed to have paid money directly to Dickson or any individual outside the party’s designated accounts 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 party said, adding that it would not shield anyone found to have acted outside approved procedures.
The controversy follows earlier allegations concerning the party’s candidate-selection process. In June, African Democratic Congress chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo alleged that some House of Representatives aspirants in the NDC were asked to pay up to N10 million, while Enugu West senatorial aspirant Ogochukwu Onyema also petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over an alleged N20 million extortion.
The NDC has denied those allegations and said it was considering legal action against individuals it accused of spreading false and defamatory claims.
The party also said it would account for its finances in accordance with the Electoral Act and guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission, insisting that its funding came from donations, levies and contributions rather than government resources.
With political activities gathering momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, the dispute over party funding and candidate selection is likely to remain under scrutiny as the NDC seeks to expand its national structure and field candidates across the country.
