PDP denies imposing levy on members

By Lateef Ibrahim

The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), has dismissed reports claiming it has asked its members to contribute N10,000 each to fund party activities, describing the allegation as false and misleading.
This was contained in a press statement issued yesterday by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Comrade Ini Ememobong.
The PDP faulted a publication by The Observer Times titled “PDP Calls on Members to Contribute N10,000 Each in Bid to Fund Party Activities,” saying the headline did not reflect the true position of the party.
According to the PDP, while the body of the report correctly quoted remarks made during an interview, the headline amounted to a clickbait or a subjective interpretation that misrepresented the party’s stance.
The party noted that several other reputable media outlets reported the same interview accurately without sensationalism.
Clarifying the issue, the PDP explained that comments made during the interview were in response to a question on how the party intends to fund its activities following recent defections by some governors.
The party emphasized that it was merely reiterating its long-standing belief in voluntary, grassroots-based funding.
Quoting directly from the interview, the PDP stated: “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 party stressed that the reference to N10,000 was purely illustrative and intended to demonstrate the potential strength of collective, voluntary support, not a directive or compulsory levy.
“For the avoidance of doubt, there is no fixed amount, no compulsory payment, and no obligation imposed on any member of the PDP,” the statement read.
The PDP therefore urged its members and the general public to disregard the misleading headline and continue to support the party in ways they consider appropriate.