The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under the leadership of Tanimu Turaki, SAN, has moved swiftly to dismiss reports suggesting the imposition of a mandatory ten-thousand-naira contribution upon its membership. The party described the assertions as “misleading” and “sensationalist,” following a controversial headline that has sparked debate within the nation’s political circles.
In a robust communiqué issued on Sunday, the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, clarified that the party has neither established a fixed levy nor placed any compulsory financial obligation upon its members to fund organisational activities.
The controversy arose following a publication by The Observer Times titled, “PDP Calls on Members to Contribute N10,000 Each in Bid to Fund Party Activities.” While the party conceded that the body of the report accurately captured the interview in question, it roundly condemned the headline as “clickbait” that distorted the underlying message.
The PDP maintained that other reputable media houses covered the same event without resorting to such provocative framing. To provide clarity, the party released the verbatim transcript of the remarks made by its official:
“The strategy is simple: go back to the people. When the people are with you voluntarily, they fund the cause… if sixty million Nigerians give ten thousand naira each, that is a significant sum. We are already witnessing this brand of mass support in states such as Plateau and Akwa Ibom.”
Comrade Ememobong explained that the mention of ten thousand naira was purely illustrative, a hypothetical figure intended to demonstrate the collective power of widespread, voluntary support, rather than a directive for payment.
“For the avoidance of doubt,” the statement read, “there is no fixed amount, no compulsory payment, and no obligation imposed on any member of the PDP.”
The leadership emphasised that they are returning to a “people-driven” funding model, reminiscent of the late 1990s during Nigeria’s transition to democracy, where small-scale voluntary contributions empowered the citizenry and gave them a tangible voice within the party.
This clarification arrives at a pivotal moment for the PDP as it seeks to rebuild its financial and grassroots momentum. The party has faced a period of internal realignment following the high-profile defection of several governors in recent months.
By distancing itself from the notion of compulsory taxation, the PDP appears to be doubling down on its identity as a populist movement, urging the public to continue their support through whatever voluntary means they deem appropriate and convenient.
