The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has said it will seek campaign donations from “ordinary” Nigerians in a move aimed at reducing the influence of wealthy individuals in the country’s democracy.
Podium Reporters gathered that NDC national leader, Seriake Dickson, disclosed this on Wednesday during an appearance on Arise News’ Prime Time. He said the party would allow Nigerians to donate as little as N1,000 to support its activities.
Dickson stressed that democracy cannot be funded by moneybags. He argued that relying on wealthy sponsors gives them excessive control over politics and undermines the voice of the people. According to him, the NDC’s fundraising plan is designed to make political funding more grassroots-based, inclusive and people-driven.
The party said it wants everyday citizens to have a stake in the democratic process rather than allowing a few rich individuals to dominate campaign financing. The move is part of the NDC’s effort to reduce the influence of money in Nigeria’s democracy.
Podium Reporters gathered that Dickson’s comments suggest the party is adopting a small-donor model, where ordinary Nigerians contribute modest amounts to fund its operations and campaigns. The NDC maintains that democracy should be funded by the people, not by moneybags.
The development underscores ongoing concerns about the cost of politics and the role of wealthy donors in Nigerian elections. By accepting donations from as low as N1,000, the NDC says it hopes to build a movement owned by ordinary citizens. The party insists that ordinary Nigerians should be at the centre of funding democracy, adding that no single individual or group should be allowed to buy influence over the political system.