The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) says it plans to raise campaign funds from ordinary Nigerians as part of efforts to reduce the influence of wealthy individuals in the country’s political system.
The party’s National Leader, Seriake Dickson, disclosed this during an appearance on Arise News’ Prime Time on Wednesday.
Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, said the NDC would allow Nigerians to contribute as little as ₦1,000 towards the party’s activities.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at ensuring that political parties are not overly dependent on wealthy individuals whose financial interests could influence governance and democratic processes.
“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 said the NDC wanted to create a system that would enable ordinary Nigerians, particularly those facing economic hardship, to have a stake in the political process.
“We have got to help Nigerian poor people, oppressed people, break loose from the oppressors. 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 also described the NDC as the only political party in Nigeria that does not receive funding from the government treasury.
Meanwhile, he disclosed that the party was consulting on the composition of its presidential campaign council.
He said the members of the council would be unveiled after the ongoing consultations are concluded.
