Jane Salihu
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has disclosed that it generated N8.53 billion within seven months of its formation, while pledging to reconcile aggrieved aspirants and strengthen internal accountability as it intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The party’s National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during the party’s third National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, as the NDC unveiled its new national secretariat, inaugurated its presidential campaign council and presented certificates of return to its candidates.
Cleopas said the party spent N2.40 billion on election-related activities, explaining that the funds were generated through nomination form sales, contributions from supporters, dues and levies.
He said the financial disclosure was intended to keep members informed about the management of party resources ahead of its first anniversary, stressing that transparency should not be limited to statutory reporting requirements.
The chairman added that the party would submit its audited accounts to the appropriate authorities when due, noting that a designated financial committee oversees its finances.
He clarified that the account presented covered election-related activities rather than the party’s general administration.
Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, commended the leadership for making the financial information available to members, saying transparency was best demonstrated through action.
Umeh 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 party offices and strengthen grassroots mobilisation.
Responding, Cleopas said the leadership was considering resource allocation to state chapters and assured members that their legitimate shares would be provided in line with the party’s constitution and objectives.
Beyond financial accountability, the NEC 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 geopolitical zones to engage aggrieved aspirants, while discussions continued at the national secretariat to resolve disagreements and strengthen party unity.
He urged members to place the collective interest of the party above personal ambitions, warning that the NDC must remain united to meet the expectations of Nigerians seeking political change.
The activities at the NEC meeting were followed by the unveiling of the party’s new national secretariat at 393 Etang Obuli Crescent, Jabi, Abuja, and the inauguration of its National Presidential Campaign Council.
Addressing party leaders and supporters at a dinner held in the Federal Capital Territory, the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, pledged to tackle corruption, insecurity, poverty, unemployment and the rising cost of living through targeted interventions and measurable results.
Obi, who is contesting alongside his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, said governance should focus on solving citizens’ problems rather than blaming political opponents or previous administrations.
“The purpose of governance is to solve problems, not to blame people. Kwankwaso and I will not blame anybody. We will create that new Nigeria that is possible,” he said.
On accountability, Obi promised that an NDC-led government would ensure public resources were used for the benefit of citizens and that public officeholders found culpable of corruption would answer in accordance with the law.
“We must stop people from stealing public money. We must use public money for the public good. And that will be seen, it will be shown,” he declared.
He also questioned the implementation of the 2023, 2024 and 2025 budgets, alleging that capital expenditure remained below 20 per cent and that contractors were experiencing payment difficulties.
The former Anambra governor outlined plans for emergency interventions in security, agriculture, education, healthcare and electricity, promising a more responsive approach to insecurity and improved support for farmers.
He pledged to establish a functional primary healthcare centre in every ward within two years of assuming office and prioritise access to education for children outside the formal school system.
On electricity, Obi promised emergency measures to improve generation, transmission and distribution, describing reliable power supply as essential to industrial growth, job creation and economic recovery.
He also pledged to expand access to credit for small and medium-sized enterprises, promising that more than 20 per cent of credit would go to small businesses under an NDC administration.
Obi further called for tax relief and incentives for businesses, arguing that Nigeria must move from a consumption-driven economy to one focused on production, industrial development and employment creation.
He urged political actors to avoid intimidating NDC supporters and called for free, fair and credible elections in 2027.
“The revolution that is coming is a revolution of the ballot,” he said.
Earlier, Cleopas described the inauguration of the campaign council and presentation of certificates of return as significant steps in the party’s preparations, warning candidates against making promises they would not fulfil if elected.
“If we fail to bring water for you in two years, if we open our mouths to say, vote for us again, please don’t vote for us,” he said.
The party’s National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, described the newly unveiled secretariat as the NDC’s “Noah’s Ark”, presenting it as a unifying centre for party activities ahead of the elections.
The gathering was attended by Kwankwaso, Umeh, Senator Tony Nwoye, former Ebonyi State Governor Sam Egwu, former Adamawa governorship candidate Aisha Binani, former Deputy Senate President Omo Agege, Rivers State governorship candidate Dumo Lulu-Briggs and other party leaders.
With its financial disclosure, reconciliation efforts and campaign council inauguration, the NDC is seeking to consolidate its internal structures while presenting accountability, economic recovery and improved public services as central themes of its 2027 campaign.
