Jane Salihu
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) says about 80 per cent of its candidates received Expression of Interest forms free of charge due to financial constraints, citing widespread poverty and economic hardship in the country.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, October 23, 2026, announcing the party’s third National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for Monday, October 26, in Abuja.
According to the statement, the party will use the meeting to unveil its National Campaign Council (NCC), present its candidates with Certificates of Return and disclose its financial accounts as part of efforts to promote transparency in party administration.
Director explained that the party’s finances would have been stronger if more candidates had been able to pay for their Expression of Interest forms, adding that the NDC had to provide the forms free of charge to candidates who could not afford them.
He attributed the situation to the level of poverty, hunger and deprivation in the country, while criticising the economic policies of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The party also challenged other political parties, particularly the APC, to make their financial records public, saying the planned presentation of its Statement of Account by the National Treasurer reflects its position on transparency and accountability.
The statement added that the National Campaign Council would cover all levels of electoral contests, including the presidential, National Assembly, governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.
The party said the meeting would also provide an opportunity to formally present its candidates with Certificates of Return for their respective offices.
The NEC meeting is scheduled to hold at 10 a.m. at JD Event Centre, Kashim Ibrahim Way, opposite A-Class Park, Maitama, Abuja.
The party expressed readiness to participate in the electoral process, declaring that it was prepared to offer Nigerians what it described as altruistic leadership.
The statement concluded with the party’s message: “A New Nigeria is Possible. We can do it!”
