PHOTO CREDIT: The Sun Nigeria / Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)
NDC Clears Dickson of Allegation of Collecting Money From Aspirants
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has denied allegations that its National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, demanded money from aspirants.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the party described the claims as false and part of a deliberate attempt to damage Dickson’s reputation and discredit the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the party, Dickson neither demanded nor received money from any aspirant for personal use since the formation of the NDC. It stressed that all legitimate donations, levies and contributions from aspirants, members and stakeholders were paid directly into the party’s designated account and properly managed.

“The national leader of our party neither demanded nor received any money from any aspirant for personal use. All funds were duly received, receipted, and accounted for in line with global best practices,” the statement said.

The NDC challenged anyone who claims to have paid money to Dickson or to any individual outside the official party account to provide evidence.

Explaining its funding model, the party noted that as a new opposition party without a president, governor, minister or other public office holder, it relies on donations and contributions from members to build its structures and field candidates nationwide – a practice provided for in its constitution.

It rejected the notion that contributions amounted to selling tickets, stating that its presidential and vice-presidential tickets were given free of charge based on confidence in the candidates, a gesture also extended to several other candidates.

The party further clarified that its funding does not come from government treasury but from members, stakeholders and well-wishers, and pledged to account for its finances in line with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.

Defending Dickson’s integrity, the NDC said his track record in public service reflects honesty and simplicity, adding that of the thousands who have interacted with him since the party’s formation, there is no record of him soliciting or receiving money. It added that the National Leader is not on the party’s payroll.

The party said it is considering legal action against those behind the allegations and urged members and the public to disregard them.

SOURCE: The Sun Newspaper Nigeria –