PDP dismisses bribery allegations as NWC members return millions

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has debunked bribery allegations against the National Working Committee (NWC) members.

At least six of 19 members of the NWC have returned funds paid into their accounts after alleged approval by the national chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.

The amounts range from N28.8million to N36million, depending on the recipient’s position. Letters of the refund are in the public domain.

Those who have refunded include Taofeek Arapaja, Deputy National Chairman South; Stella Effah-Attoe, National Woman Leader; Dan Orbih, National Vice Chairman, South-South.

Others are Alli Odefa, National Vice Chairman, South-East, Olasoji Adagunobi-Oluwatukesi, National Vice Chairman, South-West; Setonji Koshoedo, Deputy National Secretary.

In a statement Thursday night, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba said the funds were not inducements.

The spokesman alleged there were “strange and unfounded motives to the Housing Allowance duly approved and paid to NWC members and staff”.

Ologunagba said the allowance went through due process of the party “in line with the Conditions of Service and Entitlement of the Staff and Principal Officers”.

The image maker told Nigerians that if any individual decides to return money, such does not in any way suggest that it was paid as a bribe or was illegitimate.

“A bribe is defined as ‘money or any other valuable consideration given or promised with a view to corrupting the behaviour of a person, especially in that person’s performance as a public official.

“This is not the case in the payment of Housing Allowance duly approved for officials and staff of the Party”, the statement added.