The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has denied allegations of illegal payments and favouritism in its candidate selection and financing processes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party, in a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, described the allegations as misinformation and propaganda allegedly being circulated by disgruntled elements seeking to damage the party’s growing popularity.
The NDC explained that, as a relatively new political party without a sitting president, governor, minister or other public office holders, it had to develop mechanisms to fund its operations and build a nationwide political structure.
According to the party, it therefore sought financial support through donations, levies and contributions from aspirants, members, stakeholders and members of the public, stressing that such funding mechanisms are provided for in its constitution.
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“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 statement said.
The party further rejected claims that its National Leader demanded or received money from aspirants for personal use.
“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,” it said.
The NDC said it would render a full account of its finances in accordance with the Electoral Act and guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) when required.
On allegations that its tickets were sold to aspirants, the party maintained that financial contributions to party operations should not be confused with the sale of political tickets.
It said its presidential and vice-presidential tickets were offered free of charge because of its confidence in the candidates, adding that the same principle applied to several other candidates.
The party argued that funding remained a critical component of election planning, particularly for an opposition party challenging an incumbent government while fielding candidates across the country.
The NDC accused unnamed opposition figures and sponsored elements of spreading the allegations because they were allegedly unsettled by the party’s growing acceptance nationwide.
It challenged anyone claiming to have paid money to individuals outside the designated party account to provide evidence, promising that the party would not shield anyone found culpable.
The NDC also disclosed that its leadership was considering legal action against those responsible for allegedly spreading false information.
Defending its National Leader, the party said his public service background and personal values of integrity, honesty and simplicity made the allegations against him incongruous.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, due process and justice, urging the media, members and the public to disregard what it described as false narratives.
“The NDC is here to salvage Nigeria, and no amount of propaganda will stop the movement,” it said.