The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) says it wants to take a different approach to financing its 2027 election campaign by asking ordinary Nigerians to contribute to the party’s political activities.
The party’s national leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, said the initiative is aimed at reducing the influence of wealthy individuals and political financiers over Nigeria’s democratic process.
Dickson disclosed this during an interview on Arise News, where he said Nigerians could contribute amounts as little as ₦1,000 or ₦2,000 to support the party.
The proposal comes as political parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections, with campaign financing expected to remain a major issue in the contest.
For the NDC, however, Dickson said the objective is to build a funding structure that gives ordinary citizens a stake in the political process rather than leaving parties dependent on a small group of wealthy financiers.
“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.
He argued that ordinary Nigerians should have an opportunity to financially support political movements they believe in.
“We want a process by which Nigerians, ordinary Nigerians, can contribute ₦1,000, ₦2,000, as it happens all over the world,” he added.
Dickson: NDC Not Funded From Government Treasury
The former Bayelsa State governor also described the NDC as the only political party in Nigeria that does not receive funding from the government treasury.
According to him, the party wants to build its campaign around contributions from Nigerians rather than relying on powerful individuals whose financial interests could influence political decisions.
Dickson said the approach would help reduce what he described as the dominance of wealthy political actors over the country’s democratic system.
He also insisted that the party would take its case directly to Nigerians ahead of the 2027 election.
“We will take our case to the Nigerian people, and every vote will be fought for. Every vote will be contested,” he said.
Presidential Campaign Council Coming Soon
Beyond its proposed funding model, Dickson disclosed that the NDC was still consulting on the composition of its presidential campaign council.
He said the party would announce the members after the consultations had been concluded.
Dickson explained that the party was being cautious about making an announcement before the process was fully settled.
“We don’t want to do what the other party in government has done, publishing something and withdrawing it,” he said.
The proposed campaign council is expected to play a key role in coordinating the NDC’s activities as the 2027 presidential contest gathers momentum.
Dickson Demands Credible 2027 Election
The NDC leader also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other relevant institutions to ensure that the 2027 elections are free, fair and credible.
He said the party would be prepared to defend the votes of its supporters and challenge any attempt to undermine the electoral process.
Dickson’s comments come as political parties and their candidates increasingly turn their attention to the next general election, with questions surrounding campaign finance, electoral credibility and voter participation already featuring prominently in political discussions.
For the NDC, the proposed ₦1,000 and ₦2,000 contributions could become part of an effort to give its grassroots supporters a more direct role in funding the party’s campaign.
The success of the approach, however, will depend on the party’s ability to mobilise large numbers of Nigerians and sustain a transparent funding structure as the 2027 election approaches.