The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has challenged other political parties in Nigeria to make their financial records public, insisting that transparency and accountability must become central to political leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party made the call after disclosing that it received ₦8.53 billion in inflows over seven months and spent approximately ₦2.40 billion during the period.
The National Chairman of the NDC, Senator Moses Cleopas, announced the figures on Monday at the party’s third National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, explaining that the decision was aimed at keeping members informed about how the party’s resources were being managed.
Cleopas said the disclosure was a deliberate step towards promoting accountability before the party’s first anniversary, stressing that it was not a response to allegations circulating on social media.
He noted that although political parties are required to submit their financial reports to the appropriate government institutions at the end of the statutory reporting period, the NDC considered it necessary to provide an early account to its members.
According to him, the funds were managed through an account dedicated to election-related activities rather than the party’s general administration.
The party chairman explained that its financial management structure includes a committee comprising the national chairman, national secretary, financial secretary, treasurer and auditor, with the legal adviser participating when necessary.
He added that the party would submit its properly audited financial statements to the relevant authorities when due.
The disclosure received commendation from Senator Victor Umeh, who represents Anambra Central in the Senate and is a member of the NDC’s NEC.
Umeh described the move as an important demonstration of transparency, arguing that political organisations must provide verifiable information about their finances to earn public confidence.
He said the presentation had helped members understand the party’s financial position and reduced the room for speculation about its income and expenditure.
Umeh further estimated that the party had retained more than ₦6 billion, describing the balance as seed capital for its operations and forthcoming campaign activities.
However, he urged the party’s national leadership to allocate an appropriate percentage of funds raised from state chapters back to those chapters to support the establishment of offices and other grassroots activities.
In response, Cleopas said the distribution of resources to state chapters was already under consideration, assuring members that allocations would be made in line with the party’s constitution and objectives.
The chairman also clarified that the accountability message delivered by the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, was not directed specifically at the NDC leadership but was a broader demand for public office holders to explain how public funds had been utilised.
He said Nigerians deserved to know how government revenue and public resources had translated into tangible benefits for citizens.
The NDC leadership maintained that openness in financial management was essential to building trust, warning that withholding information could create suspicion and encourage unfounded allegations.
Beyond financial accountability, the NEC meeting reviewed the report of its previous session held on June 3, 2026, and received updates on efforts to reconcile aspirants dissatisfied with the outcomes of the party’s primaries.
Cleopas said the reconciliation committee had engaged aggrieved aspirants across the geopolitical zones, while further discussions were ongoing at the national secretariat to resolve disputes and strengthen internal unity.
He urged members to prioritise the collective interest of the party over personal ambitions, saying the NDC must remain focused on meeting the expectations of Nigerians seeking political change.
The chairman also assured members that issues concerning the omission of some candidates’ names by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were being addressed and would soon be resolved.
The meeting was attended by Obi, vice-presidential candidate Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, National Leader Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, Umeh, Senator Tony Nwoye, former Ebonyi State governor Sam Egwu, former Adamawa governorship candidate Aisha Binani, former Deputy Senate President Omo Agege, former senator Nkechi Nwogu, former lawmaker Clever Ikisikpo and other party leaders and state chairmen.
