Peter Obi
Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, Urges Probe into Alleged Financial Misconduct
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has called for a comprehensive investigation into the accusations of financial impropriety directed at the National Chairman of the Party, Comrade Julius Abure. Obi made this appeal during a media briefing held in Abuja on Thursday, where he provided insights into the financial management of the 2023 Obi-Datti presidential campaign organization.
Addressing the matter, Obi stated, “As a member of the party, and having been purportedly labeled as the leader, it is imperative for us to prioritize transparency within the party. To achieve this, I have engaged in discussions with the party leadership, advocating for the appointment of a reputable audit firm to conduct a thorough examination of the party’s accounts.”
Continuing his stance on accountability, Obi emphasized the necessity for a rigorous investigation into the recent allegations and counter-allegations. He stressed the importance of verification and reconciliation to ensure financial integrity and clear any discrepancies.
This call for scrutiny comes in the wake of the LP’s National Working Committee (NWC) suspending its National Treasurer, Mrs. Oluchi Oparah, for six months. Oparah, who had accused Comrade Julius Abure of mismanaging funds totaling N3.5 billion raised from nomination forms and fundraising activities, plans to challenge her suspension in court.
Furthermore, Oparah’s allegations were not limited to financial mismanagement but also extended to collusion between the LP’s NWC, the Edo State Government, and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the September 2024 Governorship polls.
Amidst these controversies, Aisha Yesufu, the Chairman of the Fundraising Team of the Obi-Datti Campaign Organization, provided a detailed account of the campaign finances. She disclosed that a total of N595,976,994.00 was raised from donations, with additional contributions from Peter Obi himself amounting to N800 million.
Yesufu highlighted the meticulous allocation of funds, including expenses for campaign materials, media broadcasting, election promotion, polling unit agents, legal fees, and administrative charges. Notably, a significant portion of the funds was earmarked for legal expenses, with over N744.5 million allocated for litigations related to the 2023 presidential election.
In essence, Obi’s call for transparency and accountability underscores the critical importance of ethical financial management within political organizations, ensuring that funds are utilized judiciously and in accordance with established protocols.
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