A controversy has emerged within Nigeria's Labour Party regarding the handling of campaign funds by the party's 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi. Abayomi Arabambi, the National Publicity Secretary of a faction of the Labour Party, alleged that Peter Obi hired Aisha Yesufu, Pastor Itua Ighodalo, and others to mismanage and divert over ₦12 billion and $15 million in donations meant for the Labour Party's campaign.¹ ² ³
*Defence by Ex-Labour Party Treasurer*
However, Oluchi Oparah, a former National Treasurer of the Labour Party, has come out in defence of Peter Obi. Oparah stated that Obi never spent party funds during his 2023 presidential campaign and instead personally funded his activities and contributed financially to the party. She emphasized that before Obi joined the Labour Party, the party was heavily indebted and struggled to pay staff salaries. According to Oparah, Obi "lifted the party from zero level to where it is today".⁴ ⁵ ⁶
*Call for Investigation*
The Labour Party's National Working Committee, led by Julius Abure, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate Peter Obi, Aisha Yesufu, and Pastor Itua Ighodalo over alleged misappropriation of funds from the 2023 presidential campaign.⁷
*Peter Obi's Recent Statements*
In recent developments, Peter Obi has expressed concerns about government officials ruining political parties in Nigeria. Speaking at an event organized by the Peoples Democratic Party, Obi emphasized the need for Nigerians to build law-abiding and powerful political parties.
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