Labour Party Crisis: Apapa Faction Urges Obi to Investigate Alleged Fund Misappropriation by Abure

The Lamidi Apapa-led faction of the Labour Party (LP) has called upon Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, to intervene in the alleged misappropriation of N3.5 billion by Julius Abure, the factional chairman of the party.

During a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Oluchi Oparah, the LP’s national treasurer, accused Abure of misusing funds generated from form sales and fundraising activities leading up to the 2023 elections.

Oparah expressed frustration with the party’s internal mechanisms, stating that they have “failed woefully” to hold Abure accountable for the “brazen abuse of office and misappropriation of party funds.”

Reacting to the accusations, Obiora Ifoh, spokesperson for the Abure-led faction, dismissed Oparah’s claims, asserting that she is “under some external influences” and reading a press statement written by “detractors” to tarnish the party’s image.

Abayomi Arabambi, spokesperson for the Apapa-led faction, highlighted the turmoil within the LP due to the allegations and emphasized the need for Obi’s intervention in addressing internal matters.

Arabambi urged Obi, as the party’s presidential candidate, to actively participate in the upcoming National Executive Committee meeting, which has gained increased significance in light of the recent developments.

Furthermore, Arabambi revealed that the LP is yet to submit an audit report for the financial activities spanning 2022-2023 to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He called for an immediate investigation into this lack of transparency, emphasizing the crucial role of transparency in maintaining public trust in political parties.

Arabambi stressed that INEC, under the leadership of Prof. Mahmood, must promptly delve into the matter, ensuring compliance with regulations and upholding the integrity of the electoral process. The spokesperson emphasized the urgency of a thorough investigation to shed light on the LP’s finances and address potential concerns.