The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has denied diverting funds contributed by aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that all payments were made into authorised party accounts.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said in a statement on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, that donations, levies and other contributions were receipted and managed by the appropriate party organs.
Director said the NDC, as a new opposition party without elected public office holders, depended on contributions from members, aspirants, stakeholders and supporters to finance its operations and build structures nationwide.
He also rejected allegations that the party’s National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, personally demanded or received money from aspirants.
He challenged anyone claiming to have paid money to an individual instead of the party’s designated account to provide evidence, stressing that the NDC would not shield any official found culpable.
The statement follows a June controversy involving Ogochukwu Onyema, an Enugu West senatorial aspirant, who petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over an alleged N20 million payment linked to the party’s screening exercise. Onyema later filed a court action seeking recovery of the money and damages. The allegation remains disputed.
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African Democratic Congress chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo also alleged in June that some NDC House of Representatives aspirants were asked to contribute up to N10 million. The NDC rejected the claim.
Director insisted that contributions were not a charge for party tickets, saying the presidential and vice-presidential nominations were issued free of charge, alongside those of several other candidates.
He said fundraising was necessary for an opposition party seeking to build a nationwide structure and contest multiple positions, but maintained that payments did not determine who secured nominations.
The NDC said it would account for its finances in line with the Electoral Act and relevant Independent National Electoral Commission guidelines.
It accused unnamed opponents and disgruntled elements of spreading false claims to discredit the party and said legal action was being considered.
The party said it remained focused on its preparations for the 2027 elections.