Turaki PDP faction refutes N10,000 levy claim

 

The factional National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Turaki, has dismissed reports that it directed members to contribute N10,000 each to fund party activities.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the party’s spokesperson, Ini Ememobong, described the report as a misrepresentation of his remarks during a media interview on strategies for financing the party after the exit of some governors.

Ememobong explained that his reference to N10,000 was merely an illustration of how voluntary contributions from Nigerians could strengthen the party, insisting that no compulsory levy was introduced.

He said: “The strategy is simple: return to the people. When the people are with you voluntarily, they fund the cause. In 1998, citizens made small donations that sustained the party and gave them a sense of ownership.”

According to him, the example of 60 million Nigerians donating N10,000 each was used only to demonstrate the power of collective support and not as a directive.

“Let it be stated unequivocally: there is no fixed amount, no compulsory payment, and no obligation imposed on any member of the PDP,” Ememobong stressed.

The spokesperson noted that the body of the published report accurately reflected his comments but faulted the headline for suggesting that the party had imposed a levy.

He urged PDP members and the public to disregard the claim and continue to support the party through voluntary and lawful means.

The Turaki-led NWC reaffirmed its commitment to grassroots-driven funding, adding that growing support in states such as Plateau and Akwa Ibom showed that Nigerians were ready to invest in rebuilding the party.