Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) Presidential Candidate, has called for a comprehensive investigation into allegations of financial misconduct against the LP National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure. This request was made during a media briefing where Obi detailed the financial handling of the 2023 Obi-Datti Presidential campaign organization, on Thursday.
Obi emphasized the importance of transparency, especially concerning financial matters, urging the appointment of a reputable audit firm to scrutinize and manage the party’s accounts. This comes amid allegations and counter-allegations of financial impropriety that Obi insists must be thoroughly investigated and reconciled.
The Labour Party’s National Working Committee (NWC) has also been active, announcing a six-month suspension of the National Treasurer, Mrs. Oluchi Oparah, amid these financial allegations. Oparah, who plans to contest this decision legally, had accused Abure of misappropriating N3.5 billion generated from nomination form sales and fundraising activities for the 2023 elections. She also alleged that the Abure-led NWC had connections with the Edo State Government, which belongs to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The LP’s response to these accusations includes labeling Oparah as a disruptive influence within the party. The NWC emphasizes its decision to suspend her for failing to attend a crisis resolution meeting.
At the same briefing, Aisha Yesufu, Chair of the Fundraising Team for the Campaign Organisation, outlined the campaign’s financial expenditures and receipts. The campaign spent over N744.5 million on litigation and received nearly N596 million in donations. Yesufu highlighted the campaign’s efforts to maintain transparency and accountability, thanking donors for their contributions and detailing how the funds were allocated across various campaign activities, including support for over a hundred groups, media campaigns, and legal expenses.