The Labour Party (LP), under the leadership of Julius Abure, has called for an investigation by the National Security Adviser and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into allegations of financial misconduct during its 2023 presidential campaign.
The LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, made this call during a press conference on September 12, 2024, in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Arabambi accused prominent figures, including Aisha Yesufu, Pastor Itua Ighodalo, former presidential candidate Peter Obi, and Afenifere leaders, of misappropriating over ₦12 billion and $15 million in campaign donations.
Arabambi dismissed Yesufu’s recent defenses as attempts to obscure the alleged financial irregularities and criticized her remarks as offensive to the party’s leadership. He also claimed that Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Akin Osuntokun, and Sola Ebiseni were involved in financial infractions totaling over ₦600 million, accusing them of fraud and fund diversion.
Arabambi emphasized the LP’s commitment to transparency and called for a thorough examination of all bank accounts linked to the accused individuals. He urged an investigation into the financial activities of Adebanjo, Osuntokun, and Ebiseni to determine Afenifere’s role in the alleged fraud.
Obi and Others Respond
In response, Dr. Yunisa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obedient Movement, labeled the allegations as baseless. Tanko stated, “I was present when Aisha Yesufu provided the audited account of the presidential campaign fund, and no money is missing from the Labour Party’s accounts.”
Afenifere’s Deputy Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, expressed unfamiliarity with the allegations. “I have just seen the lengthy press statement you are referring to. I have not read it, but if Afenifere needs to respond later, we will certainly do so,” Olaitan remarked.