The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has disclosed that about 80 per cent of its candidates for the 2027 elections could not afford to purchase the party’s expression of interest forms, blaming the situation on widespread poverty and hunger in the country.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, explaining that the development had affected the party’s finances.
According to him, the NDC had to issue the forms free of charge to candidates who could not afford them.
“Our finances would have been more robust. However, contrary to speculations in the public domain, and due to the level of poverty, hunger and deprivation in the country occasioned by the rudderless APC and its amorphous economic policies, about 80% of our candidates could not afford the Expression of Interest forms,” Director said.
He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of worsening the economic hardship faced by Nigerians through what he described as ineffective economic policies.
The spokesperson, however, did not disclose the identities of the candidates who received the forms without payment.
Director also announced that the party would present its statement of account at its third National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled to hold in Abuja on Monday.
He said the National Treasurer, John Odey, would release the accounts as part of the party’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
“This is in deference to our avowed commitment to the principles of transparency and accountability,” he said.
The NDC spokesperson challenged other political parties, particularly the APC, to adopt similar measures in managing and disclosing their finances.
The party is also expected to unveil its National Campaign Council (NCC) at the meeting.
Director explained that the council would cover campaigns for the presidential, National Assembly, governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.
He added that candidates would be presented with their respective Certificates of Return.
Describing the party as prepared for the forthcoming elections, Director said the NDC was ready to offer Nigerians what he called altruistic leadership.
