Labour Party State Chairmen Call for National Chairman’s Resignation Amidst Alleged N3.5 Billion Misappropriation Scandal

In a bid to secure success in the upcoming September 2024 Edo Governorship Election, the purported representatives of the 36 state chairmen of the Labour Party have collectively voiced a vote of no confidence in the National Chairman, Mr. Julius Abure.

The demand for Abure’s resignation stems from allegations of diverting N3.5 billion generated from the sale of nomination forms and fundraising activities leading up to the 2023 general elections. This move follows earlier challenges raised by the suspended National Treasurer, Ms. Oluchi Opara, who insisted on accountability regarding funds received during the campaign tour of the LP presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in the US.

Abure has vehemently denied the accusations, asserting that only N1.3 billion entered the party, including N800 million designated for the campaign. The state chairmen, however, convened in Bauchi and issued a resolution, urging Abure to step aside to facilitate a thorough investigation.

Solomon Ndem, the chairman of Plateau State LP, emphasized the necessity of addressing the legal complexities surrounding the party’s leadership for success in the Edo Governorship Election. The group appealed to prominent party figures like Peter Obi and Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed to support their call for Abure’s resignation.

In response, Opara, in a memo, presented a list of questions demanding Abure’s clarification on various financial matters, urging him to submit to an independent forensic audit of the party’s finances.

The Labour Party’s national leadership labeled the group as fake, countering the allegations and assuring that authentic state chairmen recognized by INEC would soon address the media.