The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has pledged greater financial accountability and renewed efforts to unite members dissatisfied with its primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party’s National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, disclosed that the NDC generated ₦8.53 billion within seven months and spent ₦2.40 billion on party activities.
He presented the financial account during the party’s third National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Monday. Cleopas said the disclosure reflected the party’s commitment to keeping members informed about how their contributions were managed.
NDC Financial Accountability: Chairman Explains Revenue
Cleopas said the party raised its funds through nomination form sales, supporters’ contributions, membership dues and levies.
He explained that the leadership chose to disclose the figures before the party’s first anniversary to promote transparency. Although political parties must submit financial reports to the relevant authorities at the end of the year, he said the NDC wanted to provide members with information earlier.
“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.
The chairman stressed that social media allegations did not trigger the disclosure. Instead, he described it as part of the party’s commitment to accountability.
He added that the NDC would submit its audited accounts to the appropriate authorities when due.
Cleopas also outlined the party’s financial oversight structure. He said a committee comprising the national chairman, national secretary, financial secretary, treasurer and auditor supervises its finances. The legal adviser also participates when necessary.
He clarified that the figures presented covered election-related activities rather than the party’s general administration.
Umeh Welcomes Disclosure, Seeks Funds for States
Senator Victor Umeh, who represents Anambra Central Senatorial District, commended the party leadership for sharing information about its finances.
“There is no way to be transparent except by demonstrating it,” Umeh said.
He noted that the disclosure would help members understand the party’s financial position and reduce speculation.
However, Umeh urged the national leadership to return an appropriate share of funds raised from state chapters to those chapters. He said the money would help them establish offices and strengthen grassroots operations.
Cleopas responded that resource allocation to state chapters remained on the leadership’s agenda. He assured members that the chapters would receive their legitimate shares in line with the party’s constitution and objectives.
The chairman also explained that Peter Obi’s call for accountability concerned the management of public resources, not specifically the NDC leadership.
According to Cleopas, Obi had challenged public office holders to explain how they spent public funds and what benefits Nigerians received in return.
He warned that withholding financial information could create suspicion and encourage unfounded allegations.
NDC Moves to Reconcile Aggrieved Aspirants
Beyond financial transparency, the NEC meeting reviewed efforts to resolve disagreements following the party’s primaries.
Cleopas said the reconciliation committee had visited several geopolitical zones to engage aspirants unhappy with the outcomes. Discussions also continued at the party’s national secretariat to settle disputes and strengthen unity.
He urged members to put the party’s collective interests ahead of personal ambitions, saying the NDC could not afford to disappoint Nigerians seeking political change.
The council also reviewed the report of its second meeting, held on June 3.
Those present at Monday’s meeting included Obi, Vice-Presidential Candidate Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, National Leader Senator Seriake Dickson, Cleopas, Umeh and Senator Tony Nwoye.
Former Ebonyi State Governor Sam Egwu, former Adamawa governorship candidate Aisha Binani and former Deputy Senate President Omo Agege also attended.
The party said its focus on financial accountability and reconciliation would support its preparations for the 2027 elections.