The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally dismissed widespread claims suggesting that it has mandated its members to pay a ₦10,000 levy to support the party’s financial operations.

In a press statement released on Sunday, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, clarified that the party has not imposed any compulsory fee on its supporters.

He addressed a recent report by a media outlet, which he accused of using a sensationalized headline to misrepresent an interview concerning the party’s future funding strategies.

Ememobong stated that the mention of ₦10,000 was merely an example to illustrate the potential of grassroots support and was never intended as a directive or a mandatory requirement for membership.

The spokesperson explained that the party is currently looking toward a model of voluntary contributions to sustain its activities. This strategy is part of a broader effort to move away from heavy reliance on a few wealthy individuals and instead empower ordinary members.

During the interview, Ememobong had noted that if a large number of Nigerians contributed even small amounts, it would create a significant financial base.

He specifically used the figure of ₦10,000 as a hypothetical example, stating, “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.”

Moreover, Ememobong further emphasized that the PDP remains committed to a voluntary model of political funding, which he described as a legitimate and time-tested approach in democratic systems.

He pointed out that this method is intended to return ownership of the party to the people at the grassroots level.

The party leadership urged its members and the general public to disregard any misleading reports of a “mandatory levy,” reiterating that “there is no fixed amount, no compulsory payment, and no obligation imposed on any member of the PDP.”

In a related development, this clarification comes at a time when the PDP is navigating a wave of high-profile departures.

It was recently reported on the exit of several prominent figures, including Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State and Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, both of whom have recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

However, these shifts in leadership could prompt the PDP to rethink its financial and mobilization strategies as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.