The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) says it will seek campaign donations from “ordinary” Nigerians to reduce the influence of wealthy individuals in the country’s democracy.
Speaking on Wednesday during an appearance on Arise News’ Prime Time, Seriake Dickson, NDC national leader, said the party would allow Nigerians to donate as little as N1,000 to support its activities.
The senator representing Bayelsa west described the NDC as the only political party in Nigeria not funded by the government treasury.
“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.
“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.”
The senator said the party was also consulting on the composition of its presidential campaign council and would announce the members soon.
“We don’t want to do what the other party in government has done, publishing something and withdrawing it,” he said.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other relevant agencies to ensure free, fair and credible elections in 2027.
“We will take our case to the Nigerian people, and every vote will be fought for. Every vote will be contested,” he said.
On Tuesday, the NDC denied allegations of illegal payments during the party’s candidate selection process.
Osa Director, the NDC’s national publicity secretary, said the party had come under a “wave of deliberate misinformation and propaganda” from “disgruntled elements” over its candidate selection and funding processes ahead of the 2027 elections.
Director also dismissed claims that Dickson demanded and received money from aspirants.
