NDC denies illegal payments, favouritism in candidate selection

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has denied allegations of illegal payments and favouritism in its candidate selection and financing process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party, in a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said claims that aspirants were required to make payments to secure party tickets were false.

The NDC said that as a new political party without elected public office holders, including a president, governors or ministers, it had relied on donations, levies and contributions from aspirants, members, stakeholders and well-wishers to fund its operations.

According to the party, all contributions were paid directly into its designated account and managed by the appropriate organs.

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“The National Leader of our party neither demanded nor received any money from any aspirant for personal use,” the statement said.

The party also maintained that its presidential and vice-presidential tickets were offered free of charge, alongside those of several other candidates.

It said the solicitation of donations and levies was permitted under its constitution and necessary to build a nationwide opposition party ahead of the 2027 elections.

The NDC further said it would render a full account of its finances in accordance with the Electoral Act and guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The party challenged anyone claiming to have made payments to an individual outside its designated account to produce evidence, stressing that it would not shield anyone found culpable.

It accused unnamed opposition figures and “sponsored elements” of circulating the allegations in an attempt to damage its image and undermine its growing popularity.

The NDC also dismissed claims linking its National Leader to financial misconduct, describing the allegations as an attempt to tarnish his reputation.

The party said it was considering legal action against those responsible for what it described as false and defamatory claims.

The NDC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, due process and justice, urging the media, its members and the public to disregard what it described as false narratives about its candidate selection and funding process.