The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has swiftly debunked reports claiming its national leadership directed members to pay N10,000 each to bankroll party activities.
In a statement on Sunday, PDP spokesperson Ini Ememobong said his comments during a media interview were twisted, insisting there was no plan to impose any form of compulsory levy on party members.
According to him, the remarks were made while explaining how the party intends to fund its operations following the defection of some governors, with emphasis placed on voluntary, people-driven support.
“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 recalled his comments in the interview.
“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 stressed that while the report correctly quoted his words, the headline falsely suggested a mandatory contribution, which he described as misleading.
He clarified that the reference to N10,000 was purely illustrative, meant to highlight the power of collective goodwill, not an instruction to members.
“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.
The PDP urged members and supporters to ignore the report and continue backing the party voluntarily in ways they deem fit.
