The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Kabiru Turaki, has dismissed reports alleging that it directed members to contribute N10,000 each to fund the party.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the PDP spokesperson, Ini Ememobong, said his remarks during an interview on how the party intends to finance its activities following the defection of some governors were misrepresented.
“The strategy is simple: go back to the people. When the 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,” Ememobong said, recalling his comments.
“We are returning to that voluntary model. For example, if 60 million Nigerians each give N10,000, that’s a huge sum.
“We are already seeing this kind of mass support in states like Plateau and Akwa Ibom.”
Ememobong explained that although his comments were accurately quoted in the body of the report, the headline distorted the meaning of his remarks.
According to him, the reference to N10,000 was “purely illustrative” and meant to highlight the power of collective voluntary support, not a directive, levy or mandatory contribution.
“Let it be stated unequivocally: there is no fixed amount, no compulsory payment, and no obligation imposed on any member of the PDP,” he said.
He urged party members and the general public to disregard the report and continue supporting the party voluntarily in whatever way they consider appropriate.