The 36 state chairmen of the Labour Party have vehemently rejected the corruption allegations leveled against their embattled National Chairman, Julius Abure, asserting unequivocally that no funds are missing from the party’s coffers. The council of state chairmen has additionally thrown its weight behind the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in his call for an independent forensic audit of the party’s accounts. They are confident that such an audit will exonerate Abure and clear the air surrounding the alleged financial improprieties.
The controversy stems from claims made by the party’s suspended National Treasurer, Oluchi Oparah, who challenged Abure to account for the purported N3.5 billion raised from the sale of nomination forms and other fundraising activities leading up to the 2023 general election. Oparah also alleged that Abure failed to remit donations received from Nigerians in the Diaspora during Peter Obi’s campaign tour in the United States.
In response to these allegations, Abure appeared on Arise News, where he vehemently denied all accusations and presented documents and copies of cheques allegedly signed by the treasurer to refute the claims. He maintained that the corruption allegations were a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation and destabilize the party.
Chairman of the Labour Party Council of State Chairmen, Ceekay Igara, expressed deep concern over the situation, criticizing the National Working Committee for allowing external forces to sow discord within the party. Igara refuted claims that the council was behind a recent vote of no confidence passed against Abure by a faction within the party.
Igara emphasized the need for an independent forensic audit to bring clarity to the situation, pointing out that the party’s finances were meticulously managed and accounted for. He stated that the party only realized N1.3 million during the 2023 general election, with an additional N700 million donation utilized by the Presidential Campaign Council. Igara highlighted that all transactions were properly documented and receipted.
In conclusion, Igara stated that Peter Obi, the party’s leader, had intervened in the matter privately and was also in support of the independent audit. He expressed confidence that the audit would reveal the truth and vindicate Julius Abure, while also exposing what he described as politically motivated attacks against the party chairman.
