Koko Tochukwu
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has refuted reports alleging that it directed its members to contribute N10,000 each to fund party activities, describing the claim as false, misleading and a misrepresentation of its position.
This clarification was contained in a press statement issued on Sunday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong.
The PDP took exception to a report published by The Observer Times with the headline: “PDP Calls on Members to Contribute N10,000 Each in Bid to Fund Party Activities,” stating that the headline did not accurately reflect the party’s views or intentions.
According to the party, although the body of the report correctly quoted remarks made during an interview, the headline amounted to clickbait and a subjective interpretation that distorted the PDP’s stance. It noted that several other reputable media organisations reported the same interview accurately without sensationalising the issue.
Providing clarification, the PDP explained that the comments in question were made in response to an inquiry on how the party plans to finance its operations following the recent defection of some governors.
The party stated that it was merely reaffirming its long-standing commitment to voluntary, grassroots-driven funding. It quoted directly from the interview:
“The strategy is simple: go back to the people. When people are with you voluntarily, they fund the cause. In 1998, people made small contributions to fund the party, and that gave them a voice. We are returning to that voluntary model. For example, if 60 million Nigerians give N10,000 each, that’s a huge sum.”
The PDP emphasized that the reference to N10,000 was purely illustrative, intended to highlight the potential impact of collective voluntary support, and not a directive or compulsory levy.
“For the avoidance of doubt, there is no fixed amount, no mandatory contribution and no obligation placed on any member of the PDP,” the statement clarified.
The party therefore urged its members and the general public to disregard the misleading report and continue to support the PDP in ways they deem appropriate.
