Why Peter Obi will not Abandon Abure Despite Corruption Allegations – Labour Party

The Labour Party has issued a resolute statement, asserting that its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, will not abandon the party amidst accusations of corruption against the chairman, Julius Abure. The party responded to calls from Obi’s supporters, urging him to leave the party due to alleged financial mismanagement by Abure.

In a statement released on Wednesday by Obiora Ifoh, the National Publicity Secretary, the Labour Party cautioned against spreading falsehoods on social media platforms, urging those with concrete allegations to seek legal recourse rather than engaging in a media trial of their leader.

The statement clarified that Peter Obi, the party’s national leader, remains committed to the Labour Party despite the sustained smear campaign against Julius Abure. Ifoh emphasized that Obi’s loyalty to the party stems from its social democratic ideology, aligning with his political vision.

Addressing the corruption allegations against Chairman Abure, Ifoh dismissed them as “spurious” and a “calculated attempt to tar the person of Abure with a dark brush.” The party cited an audit report by its external auditor, affirming the party’s financial integrity since 2021 under Abure’s leadership.

Ifoh further revealed that an earlier forensic audit report in 2017 had implicated the party’s suspended Treasurer for fraudulent activities, while Abure advocated for accountability. The statement defended Abure’s modest lifestyle, stating he resides in a rented apartment in Abuja and recently refurbished a family bungalow.

The National Publicity Secretary refuted claims of Abure single-handedly siphoning party funds, emphasizing that no money has left the party’s bank accounts without the co-signatory of either the National Secretary or the National Treasurer. The statement concluded by suggesting that the allegations against Abure are part of a broader strategy to destabilize any political platform Peter Obi aligns with in the upcoming 2027 general election.