The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) on Monday disclosed that it generated N8.529 billion from nomination forms, membership dues, levies and contributions within its first seven months of operation, while spending N2.402 billion on primaries, publicity, staff salaries and other activities.
The party presented the financial figures at its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, where its National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, said the disclosure was intended to promote transparency and accountability in the management of the party’s resources ahead of its first anniversary.
The NEC Meeting was attended by the National Leader of the party, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson; the Presidential Candidate of the party, Mr. Peter Obi; his Vice, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; serving and former members of the National Assembly and other notable leaders of the party, among others.
Cleopas said the party decided to account for its finances before the statutory deadline for submitting its audited accounts to the relevant government institutions, insisting that members had a right to know how funds entrusted to their leaders were being managed.
He said the decision was not prompted by allegations or criticisms on social media but reflected the party’s commitment to accountability and responsible leadership.
According to him, the party’s leadership considered it necessary to provide members with an early account of its financial position, even though the NDC had yet to complete its first year of operation.
He said, “One of the critical instruments that destroys leadership or communal living, as I have been taught, is the management of public funds. When you have a responsibility to sit over a public forum, you also owe the people who entrusted you with that privilege an obligation to be open to them.
“They must know what you are doing from time to time. Any attempt to foreclose that will lead to suspicion and give room for people to say what is not true.
“When you find yourself in a leadership position, accountability must be your sense of duty, especially when it has to do with common wealth.
“That is what Nigeria is suffering from. Nigeria is so blessed. We cannot say that we do not have resources in this country. The question we are asking is: where are our resources? What are our resources being used for that will bring relief or blessings to Nigerian citizens?”
The national chairman said the NDC would submit its properly audited financial statement to the constitutionally authorised institutions when the appropriate reporting period ended.
He explained that the party’s financial management process involved a committee comprising the national chairman, national secretary, financial secretary, treasurer and auditor, with the party’s legal adviser co-opted when necessary.
The National Treasurer, Dr Peter Onigah, presented the financial statement at the meeting, outlining the funds received and expenditure incurred during the period under review.
The disclosure comes as the NDC intensifies preparations for the 2027 general election, with the party also inaugurating its presidential campaign council, present certificates of return to its candidates and commission its national secretariat at the Jabi Area of Abuja.
Cleopas said the activities were part of efforts to strengthen the party’s structures and demonstrate its readiness for the forthcoming elections.
He said the inauguration of the presidential campaign council followed consultations aimed at identifying people willing to commit their time and resources to the party’s electoral project.
“It is not a matter of rushing to announce a campaign council. It is a matter of getting people who are committed, people who are ready to serve this nation in that capacity,” he said.
The chairman also cautioned party members against interpreting the initial list of campaign council appointments as a complete representation of all those who would eventually be involved.
“Some are calling to ask, ‘Why is my name not there? Why is my name not there?’ We are not finished. Let them wait for us,” he said.
Cleopas said the party presented certificates of return to its candidates to prevent individuals who did not win its primaries from parading themselves as candidates and misleading voters.
He described the NDC as a party intended to outlive its founding leaders, urging young Nigerians to identify with it and prepare for future leadership responsibilities.
Cleopas said, “This party is intended to be a generational party for as long as we remain on earth. This party is intended to outlive us. And if that is the vision we have, there is a particular set of people we must target.
“We have the youth to target in this country. The reason is that they must be prepared for leadership. So, this is a party of mentorship,” he said.
Umeh Seeks Funding for State Chapters
At the meeting, Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, commended the party’s leadership for making its financial position available to members, describing the disclosure as an important step towards building public confidence.
