Serious allegations of financial impropriety and alleged scamming have hit the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a senatorial aspirant has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged ₦20 million payment demanded during the party’s screening process.
The claims, which surfaced prominently following a Twitter Space discussion hosted by @tudobams on Monday, June 8, 2026, have sparked outrage among aspirants and party stakeholders nationwide.
According to the whistleblower (widely associated with activist PIDOMNIGERIA), the aspirant had already paid the official ₦3 million for the Expression of Interest form for a senatorial ticket before being invited to Abuja for screening.
Upon arrival, the aspirant was reportedly required to sign an undertaking agreeing to abide by the screening committee’s decision and not to sue the NDC in court.
What followed, according to the account, deviated sharply from expectations of assessing professional qualifications, grassroots structures, political experience, and public records.
Instead, the screening focused intensely on the aspirant’s financial capacity — including demands for bank statements, details of properties, cars, investments, and overall wealth.
The committee allegedly informed him that he needed to “show capacity” to contest for the senatorial position. He was then provided with details of an FCMB account and directed to pay ₦20 million.
The aspirant complied, bringing his total expenditure to over ₦23 million, but claims the party has since “shut its doors” on him with no further communication or ticket issued.
A formal petition has been filed with the EFCC demanding investigation and refund of the funds.
The whistleblower has promised to release additional receipts and documents, stating he is awaiting any denial from the NDC before providing more evidence.
He further alleged that similar experiences have affected thousands of aspirants across the country, many of whom feel handicapped by the no-lawsuit undertakings they signed and are awaiting the outcome of primaries scheduled for Monday, June 15, 2026.
Questions Demanding Answers
The development raises critical questions about transparency in the NDC’s internal processes:
- After the official Expression of Interest and Nomination fees (₦3m + ₦5m for senatorial aspirants, per party guidelines), what was the purpose of this additional ₦20 million demand?
- Who collected the funds, and into whose pockets did they go?
- Why require aspirants to sign undertakings barring legal action if the process was above board?
These allegations come amid broader reports of dissatisfaction in states like Imo, where ticket racketeering and irregularities have also been alleged by party chieftains.
Party Response and Context
As of the time of filing this report, the NDC leadership under Senator Seriake Dickson has not issued an official response to these specific claims.
The party has previously denied widespread endorsement lists and manipulation, emphasising adherence to due process and INEC guidelines.
Peter Obi, the party’s presumed presidential flagbearer, has not directly commented on this incident.
Party officials have in the past defended rigorous screening.
They argue that assessing financial capacity is legitimate given the enormous resources required to run successful campaigns against the ruling APC.
However, critics argue that such demands, especially when made informally during screening and backed by non-litigation agreements, cross the line into extortion.
Implications for 2027
This scandal, if substantiated, threatens to undermine the NDC’s credibility as a viable opposition platform.
Aspirants who feel cheated may withhold support or actively work against the party in the general elections, even while backing Peter Obi personally.
As one observer noted, it is not enough to merely field candidates on the ticket — the party must win the confidence of its members and the electorate.
The EFCC is expected to investigate the petition thoroughly.
Nigerians deserve clarity: Is this an isolated case of overzealous officials, or a systemic issue of monetised primaries that contradicts the NDC’s stated commitment to internal democracy?
The eyes of the nation — and particularly the Obidient Movement — remain fixed on how the NDC leadership handles this matter.
Swift refunds, accountability for any erring officials, and reforms to the screening process could help restore confidence.
Failure to act decisively risks alienating the very base the party needs for the 2027 battle.
Ogbuefi Ndigbo is a concerned stakeholder and commentator on national affairs, with a focus on good governance and democratic integrity.
