The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) says free Expression of Interest forms for about 80% of its candidates reduced the party’s expected revenue from form sales, as it said candidates could not afford the cost.
National Publicity Secretary Osa Director made the claim in an Oct. 23 statement. Director said candidates were unable to pay amid hunger and poverty, which the NDC blamed on the economic policies of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). “The party had to issue forms to such candidates free of charge,” Director said.
The party said its finances would have been stronger if candidates had paid for the forms. It did not put a figure on the revenue it expected to collect or identify the recipients. The statement also gave no total number of candidates, leaving the share without a disclosed headcount.
National Treasurer John Odey is due to present the NDC’s statement of account at its third National Executive Committee meeting, the party said. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lists Odey as the party’s national treasurer.
The NDC also plans to unveil its National Campaign Council and present candidates with Certificates of Return at the meeting. It said the council would cover presidential, National Assembly, governorship and state House of Assembly campaigns. The planned council is part of the party’s preparations for the 2027 general election, following its decision to move the unveiling to Oct. 26.
In September, support group OK Movement announced a separate 59-member slate. The NDC disowned it, saying party leadership had not issued the list and that only party leaders could establish the presidential campaign council.
Premium Times reported that APC spokesperson Felix Morka did not respond to its calls or a text message seeking comment. The NDC’s meeting is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 26, at 5 a.m. ET (10 a.m. WAT; 09:00 UTC) in Maitama, Abuja.
