Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has pledged greater transparency in managing party finances and intensified efforts to reconcile aggrieved aspirants, following its primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The National Chairman, Sen. Moses Cleopas, gave the assurance at the party’s third National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Monday, where he presented an account of its finances since inception.
Cleopas said the party raised N8.53 billion within seven months through nomination form sales, contributions from supporters, dues and levies, while spending N2.40 billion on party activities.
He said the disclosure was intended to keep members informed about the management of their collective resources before the party’s first anniversary.
According to him, although political parties are required to submit financial reports to relevant authorities at the end of the year, NDC considers early disclosure necessary to promote accountability.
“We, the managers of the party, feel that in a network like this, even as we are not going into details, people must know what we are and how we are functioning and how we are managing,” he said.
Cleopas said the disclosure was not prompted by allegations on social media but reflected the party’s commitment to transparency.
He added that the party would submit its audited accounts to the appropriate authorities, when due.
The national chairman said a financial committee comprising the national chairman, national secretary, financial secretary, treasurer and auditor oversees the party’s finances, with the legal adviser participating when necessary.
He clarified that the account presented covered election-related activities and not the party’s general administration.
Reacting, Sen. Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, commended the leadership for providing members with information about the party’s financial position.
“There is no way to be transparent except by demonstrating it,” Umeh said.
He said the disclosure would enable members to understand the party’s financial position and reduce reliance on speculation.
The senator also urged the national leadership to allocate an appropriate percentage of funds raised from state chapters back to the states to support the establishment of offices and strengthen grassroots activities.
Responding, Cleopas said the allocation of resources to state chapters was already on the leadership’s agenda.
He assured members that state chapters would receive their legitimate shares in accordance with the party’s constitution and objectives.
The chairman also clarified that the party’s presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, had called for accountability in the management of public resources rather than directing his remarks specifically at the NDC leadership.
He said that Obi had challenged public office holders to explain how public funds had been utilised and the benefits delivered to Nigerians.
Cleopas said transparency was necessary to sustain public confidence in the management of resources, warning that withholding financial information could fuel suspicion and unfounded allegations.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NEC also reviewed the report of its second meeting held on June 3 and received updates on efforts to reconcile aspirants dissatisfied with the outcomes of the party’s primaries.
Cleopas said the reconciliation committee had visited different geo-political zones to engage aggrieved aspirants, while discussions at the national secretariat continued to resolve disagreements and strengthen party unity.
He urged members to place the collective interest of the party above personal ambitions, saying NDC could not afford to disappoint Nigerians seeking political change.
NAN also reports that the meeting was attended by Obi, the Vice-Presidential Candidate, Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, National Leader, Sen. Seriake Dickson, Cleopas, Umeh and Sen. Tony Nwoye.
A former Ebonyi Governor, Sam Egwu, former Adamawa governorship candidate, Aisha Binani and former Deputy Senate President, Sen Omo Agege, were also in attendance.(NAN)
