The Peoples Democratic Party on Friday raked in billions of naira at a fundraiser held in Abuja for a N10 billion new national secretariat.

The fundraiser, which was attended by President Umaru Yar’Adua and Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan, attracted politicians and business leaders. The chief launcher, Mr. Femi Otedola, set the ball rolling with a donation of N1 billion, to a deafening standing ovation. He came to the podium a second time to announce some more donations worth over N300m on behalf of some individuals and companies.

Also, the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, pledged to provide all the cement needs of the project, estimated at N3bn. The Secretary, PDP Board of Trustees, Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu, pledged N100 million on behalf of its entire members; the Imo State House of Assembly gave N5m; oil mogul, Chief Emeka Offor, donated N50m; while Joseph Bello promised N10m.

Security operatives harassed journalists at the venue of the event, which was also attended by a number of governors and public office-hodlers.