The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed claims that it asked members to contribute N10,000 each to fund party activities, describing the report as false and misleading. This clarification was issued in a press statement on Sunday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong.
The PDP specifically criticized a headline published by The Observer Times titled “PDP Calls on Members to Contribute N10,000 Each in Bid to Fund Party Activities,” saying it misrepresented the party’s position. While the body of the report correctly quoted comments from an interview, the headline was deemed sensational and misleading.
The party explained that the statements were made in response to questions about funding following defections by some governors. PDP emphasized that it continues to support voluntary, grassroots-based contributions, citing a historical model from 1998 when small contributions gave members a voice in the party.
Quoting from the interview, the PDP clarified: “The strategy is simple: go back to the people. When people are with you voluntarily, they fund the cause… For example, if 60 million Nigerians give N10,000 each, that’s a huge sum.” The party stressed that this figure was purely illustrative and not a directive or compulsory payment.
Comrade Ememobong reiterated, “There is no fixed amount, no compulsory payment, and no obligation imposed on any member of the PDP.” The party urged members and the public to disregard the misleading headline and continue supporting the party in ways they deem appropriate.
