The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) says it plans to raise campaign funds from ordinary Nigerians in a bid to limit the influence of wealthy individuals on the country’s democracy.
Speaking on Arise News’ Prime Time on Wednesday, the party’s national leader, Seriake Dickson, said Nigerians would be able to contribute as little as N1,000 towards the NDC’s activities.
Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West in the Senate, described the NDC as the only political party in Nigeria that does not receive funding from 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.”
Dickson also said the party was 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 bodies 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.
