Featured, Politics
By Christabel Ejenike
THE former National Treasurer of Labour Party, LP, Oluchi Oparah, has alleged that the former Acting National Chairman of the LP, Julius Abure, misappropriated N3.5 billion generated during the 2023 general elections.
In a statement released on September 9, 2024, Oparah claimed that the funds were meant for critical party expenses, but were diverted for personal gain.
She stated that she possesses intimate knowledge of the party’s financial dealings and can confidently attest that the allegations against Abure are not unfounded.
Oparah accused Abure of attempting to discredit the party leader, Peter Obi, instead of addressing the serious allegations, describing the action as
a “wild goose chase” and a diversionary tactic to avoid accountability.
“I, Mrs. Oluchi Oparah, former National Treasurer of the Labour Party, have brought to light a grave concern that requires immediate attention. Mr. Julius Abure, the former Acting National Chairman of the party, has been accused of misappropriating and corruptly utilizing 3.5 billion Naira generated by the party during the 2023 General Elections. Instead of addressing these serious allegations, Mr. Abure has chosen to embark on a wild goose chase, attempting to discredit our principal, Peter Obi,” the statement said.
The former National Treasurer called on the Labour Party leadership and relevant authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly and bring clarity to the allegations.
She emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency within the party. “Let us not forget that accountability is the cornerstone of good governance and leadership. I will not stand idly by while our party’s integrity is compromised. I demand that Mr. Abure answers to these allegations and provides evidence to support his claims of innocence,” she said.
Recall that not long ago, the former Acting National Chairman, Julius Abure held a press conference claiming that he has been accused of mismanagement of the past general elections funds and campaign donations.
He further went on to disassociate himself and the party from the management of the funds for the 2023 general elections.
According to him, the campaign funds were disbursed and administered to the southern states by the leadership council led by Douyin Okupe and the funding for the 19 northern states were handled by the 2023 vice presidential candidate of the party Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed. “The funding of the party itself was done by Peter Obi himself, the party was never involved in the distribution of these resources,” Abure said.
“Also the party was not involved in the collection of any donations campaigns and donation campaigns were channeled to the following accounts: Obi-Datti Ahmed Campaign accounts: Zenith Bank 1241950451, Sterling Bank 0091657896, Heritage Bank 1400234900, Globus Bank 1000128194. and the signatories to this account were Aisha Yussuf and Pastor Itua Ighodalo.”
While the misappropriated fund in question is 3.5 billion Naira Aisha Yusuf had earlier disclosed in February 2024 that the four accounts received donations totalling N595,976,994 from Nigerians and N8,000,000 from Peter Obi.
“We thank everyone who donated in cash and kindness. From the donations from citizens, we received N595,976,994. This is the money we raised from the four accounts that we have talked about. We also received N8,000,000 from the candidate himself (Peter Obi),” she said.
Reacting to Abure’s statements, some Nigerians expressed disbelief and disappointment towards him, speculating that he is doing all this because his tenure has elapsed.
12th September, 2024.
C.E.
Tags: Aisha Yussuf Aisha Yusuf Douyin Okupe Julius Abure Labour Party LP Oluchi Oparah Pastor Itua Ighodalo Peter Obi Sterling Bank Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed Zenith Bank
