NDC Challenges Accusers to Provide Evidence Over Alleged N20m Bribe Scandal

By Okpashi Odama

The Nasarawa State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has denied allegations of bribery leveled against its State Chairman, Comrade Dogo Shammah.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the State Publicity Secretary, Danjuma Joseph, the party described the allegations as false, malicious, and unfounded, stressing that it was not aware of any such incident involving its chairman.
According to the statement, “The attention of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Nasarawa State Chapter, has been drawn to a malicious story alleging that the State Chairman, Comrade Dogo Shammah, collected N20 million to manipulate the House of Representatives primary election in favour of an aspirant for the Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency.”
The party noted that although it would ordinarily not respond to such allegations, it deemed it necessary to do so because silence could be misconstrued as an admission of guilt.
“We categorically state that the allegation is completely false and malicious, aimed at tarnishing the hard-earned image of our Chairman, Hon. Dogo Shammah,” the statement said.
The party further maintained that the allegations were being spread by disgruntled individuals seeking to damage the chairman’s reputation and destabilize the NDC in Nasarawa State.
It explained that at no time did the chairman direct any party official to prepare predetermined results for the primary election.
“NDC categorically declares that our chairman did not receive any sum of money from any aspirant, including Hon. Benjamin Wayo,” the statement added.
The party emphasized that Hon. Dogo Shammah has consistently demonstrated commitment to fairness, unity, and togetherness.
According to the statement, the NDC in Nasarawa State operates on the principles of equity and internal democracy. It described claims that the chairman compromised the primary election process for financial gain as not only false but also unsubstantiated attempts to undermine the integrity of the party and its members who participated in the process in good faith.
The party challenged those behind the allegations to provide credible and verifiable evidence to support their claims.
It also urged party members and the general public to disregard what it described as misinformation.
“The NDC leadership at both the state and national levels is fully aware of the facts, and the primary election was conducted in full compliance with our constitution and electoral guidelines,” the statement declared.