The Labour Party has accused its former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and several associates of serious financial misconduct.
The party has called on the National Security Adviser and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate alleged embezzlement and misappropriation of campaign funds.
The accusations were laid bare in a statement by Dr. Abayomi Arabambi, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party.
According to Arabambi, the allegations center around the misuse of over 12 billion Naira and 15 million US dollars in donations meant for the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential campaign.
Arabambi’s statement highlights claims that prominent figures within the Labour Party, including Aisha Yesufu, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, and Akin Osuntokun, were involved in this alleged financial scandal.
The Labour Party asserts that these individuals engaged in “criminal conspiracy” and “diversion of funds” without the consent of the party leadership.
Arabambi’s statement accused Aisha Yesufu and Pastor Ituah Ighodalo of being central to the alleged mismanagement of campaign funds.
The statement reads, “Peter Obi opted for Aisha Yesufu and Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, who together mismanaged, diverted, and failed to account for over 12 billion Naira and 15 million US dollars in donations to the Labour Party.”
The Labour Party’s allegations extend beyond just financial mismanagement. Arabambi claims that there were attempts to obtain money under false pretenses.
“Peter Obi opened Obi/Baba-Ahmed Campaign accounts in various banks to steal, divert, and misappropriate over 12 billion Naira and 15 million US dollars,” the statement alleges.
The statement has called on the National Security Adviser and the EFCC to investigate these claims thoroughly.
The Labour Party has requested that the mentioned bank accounts be scrutinized for potential terrorism financing and fraud.
The accounts in question are held in Zenith Bank, Sterling Bank, Heritage Bank, and Globus Bank.
Arabambi expressed frustration with Aisha Yesufu’s defense, which he describes as an attempt to deflect blame.
“Mrs. Aisha Yesufu claimed that our National Chairman, Barr Julius Abure, was lying and that she never embezzled party funds,” he said.
“However, her role as a signatory involved in the criminal conspiracy has been exposed.”
The accusations extend to members of the Afenifere group, including Pa Ayo Adebanjo and Akin Osuntokun.
Arabambi alleges that these individuals were involved in financial infractions amounting to over 600 million Naira.
“Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Akin Osuntokun, and Sola Ebiseni were also involved in the mismanagement of funds,” he stated.
Arabambi also criticized Obi’s political ambition, accusing him of using his campaign as a means for personal gain.
“Peter Obi’s political aspirations have become a cover for his fraudulent activities,” Arabambi asserted.
He further claimed that the alleged mismanagement of funds contributed to the Labour Party’s loss in the 2023 presidential election.
The statement defends the Labour Party’s current leadership under Barr Julius Abure and Alh Farouk Umar Ibrahim.
Arabambi expressed confidence in their stewardship, saying, “The Vote of Confidence passed on Barr Julius Abure and Alh Farouk Umar Ibrahim remains in force. There is no vacancy in the NWC of the Labour Party.”
Arabambi’s critique of Aisha Yesufu extends to personal attacks, describing her as a “political burnt offering” and a “product of enslaving stomach-infrastructure poison.”
He suggested that Yesufu’s political career has been tainted by her alleged involvement in the financial scandal.