The Nigeria Democratic Congress has denied allegations that its National Leader, Seriake Dickson, demanded or received money from aspirants seeking the party’s tickets ahead of the 2027 general election, insisting that all legitimate financial contributions were paid into designated party accounts and handled through approved party structures.
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In a statement issued on Tuesday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, described the allegations as part of what he called a deliberate campaign of misinformation and propaganda by disgruntled elements and political opponents unsettled by the party’s growing national presence.
Director specifically rejected claims linking Dickson to the alleged collection of money from aspirants.
“Given the public service background of our National Leader, it is incongruous to link him with any unwholesome practice. His entire lifestyle is anchored on the values of integrity, honesty, and simplicity, as attested to by all who have interacted with him,” the statement said.
The party, however, acknowledged that aspirants, members, stakeholders and supporters were asked to make financial contributions towards the funding of the NDC’s activities.
Director said the distinction was important, arguing that donations, levies and other contributions permitted under the party’s constitution were paid directly into designated accounts and administered by authorised organs of the party rather than by individual leaders.
He said building and sustaining a new opposition party without the financial backing associated with incumbency or public office presented significant funding challenges, particularly with the 2027 general election approaching.
“Any serious political leader starting a campaign or building a national party understands what it takes: commitment, selflessness, strategic planning, and the resources required to build an opposition party in the current circumstances of our country — within months of a general election — while fielding candidates for all positions and in almost every constituency,” Director said.
He described the task of establishing the party’s national structure within a relatively short period as difficult, adding that the leadership had relied on lawful contributions from members and supporters.
“This is a political miracle, and only a few politicians can accomplish it, especially without the backing of moneybags and the establishment.
“The decision to seek donations and levies from members is not only appropriate but strategic. 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,” he said.
Director challenged anyone claiming to have paid money directly to an individual in connection with the party’s candidate selection process 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,” he said.
The party also warned that it was considering legal action against persons it accused of spreading what it described as false and defamatory claims about its funding and candidate selection process.
The denial follows a series of allegations concerning payments allegedly demanded from aspirants seeking NDC tickets.
In June, African Democratic Congress chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo alleged that some House of Representatives aspirants in the NDC were asked to pay as much as ₦10 million, with some allegedly facing additional financial demands.
The NDC rejected the allegations.
Similarly, Ogochukwu Onyema, an Enugu West senatorial aspirant in the party, petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over an alleged ₦20 million extortion connected with the party’s selection process.
The NDC also denied that allegation.
The controversy has therefore centred on the difference between officially approved party levies and donations, which the NDC says are constitutional and paid into designated accounts, and allegations that individual aspirants were made to pay unauthorised sums to particular persons.
The party maintains that no evidence has been produced showing that Dickson personally demanded or received money from any aspirant, while insisting that any proven case of payment outside the approved party structure would not be protected by the leadership.
With the 2027 elections approaching, the dispute over candidate selection and party financing is likely to remain a point of scrutiny, particularly as the NDC continues to field aspirants across multiple constituencies while defending the legitimacy of its internal funding arrangements.
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