The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) says it wants to change the way political campaigns are funded by turning to ordinary Nigerians for financial support ahead of the 2027 general election.
The party said Nigerians would be allowed to contribute small amounts, including as little as N1,000, to support its campaign and political activities.
Speaking on Arise News’ Prime Time on Wednesday, NDC national leader and Bayelsa West Senator Seriake Dickson said the move was aimed at reducing the influence of wealthy individuals over the country’s democratic process.
Dickson described the NDC as the only political party in Nigeria that is not funded by the government treasury, while arguing that democracy should not be controlled by billionaires who use their wealth and political influence to shape government.
“You cannot allow your democracy to be funded by moneybags and billionaires who are now trillionaires using government resources. You will continue to be oppressed,” Dickson said.
He said the party wanted to create a system where ordinary Nigerians could collectively support the political process rather than leaving campaign financing in the hands of wealthy individuals.
“So, we have got to help Nigerian poor people, oppressed people, break loose from the oppressors. We want a process by which Nigerians, ordinary Nigerians, can contribute N1,000, N2,000, as it happens all over the world.”
Campaign council
Dickson also disclosed that the party was consulting on the composition of its presidential campaign council and would announce the members once the process was concluded.
He said the NDC was determined to avoid the controversy that followed the recent publication and withdrawal of another party’s campaign council list.
“We don’t want to do what the other party in government has done, publishing something and withdrawing it,” he said.
The NDC national leader also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other relevant institutions to ensure that the 2027 elections are free, fair and credible.
“We will take our case to the Nigerian people, and every vote will be fought for. Every vote will be contested,” he said.
Party denies funding allegations
The NDC had on Tuesday denied allegations of illegal payments linked to its candidate selection process.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said the NDC was facing what he described as a “wave of deliberate misinformation and propaganda” allegedly being spread by “disgruntled elements” over its candidate selection and funding arrangements ahead of the 2027 elections.
Director also rejected claims that Dickson demanded or received money from aspirants during the party’s candidate selection process.
Source: Arise News / Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)
