The Labour Party (LP) has strongly denied allegations that its leadership received a ₦50 million bribe from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), dismissing the claim as baseless and politically motivated.
The accusation, which was made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during a national conference on strengthening democracy in Abuja, sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape. Atiku alleged that the APC-led government had been offering opposition leaders ₦50 million each in an attempt to weaken democracy and undermine opposition parties.
However, the Labour Party has hit back, challenging Atiku to provide concrete evidence to substantiate his claim.
LP: “Atiku Must Prove His Allegation”
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the Labour Party expressed disappointment over what it described as a reckless and unverified claim from a seasoned politician like Atiku.
“We are shocked that a high-caliber politician like Atiku Abubakar, who has contested elections all his life, would make such a reckless, unfounded, and unguarded statement without proof,” the party stated.
The LP categorically denied receiving any funds from the APC or any external entity, insisting that it runs a transparent and frugal administration funded exclusively by its members.
“If Atiku has concrete evidence, he should present it instead of relying on mere gossip from unnamed sources,” Ifoh added.
Bribery Allegations Spark Political Storm
Atiku Abubakar’s statement has sparked a heated debate, with many questioning the implications of such an accusation if proven true. The former Vice President, a key figure in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has consistently criticized the APC government for what he describes as its anti-democratic tendencies.
His latest accusation, however, appears to have put him at odds with another opposition party, the Labour Party, which sees itself as a strong alternative to both the APC and the PDP.
The LP emphasized that its leadership has never been “on any payroll” and that all government salaries and payments are public records that can be easily verified.
“Atiku should focus on his own party rather than making baseless allegations that undermine the sacrifices of the opposition,” the statement added.
Labour Party’s Stance on Opposition Politics
The Labour Party has positioned itself as a formidable opposition force, particularly following its performance in the 2023 general elections, where it mounted a serious challenge to the ruling APC and the main opposition PDP.
Despite being a relatively young political force, LP’s presidential candidate Peter Obi emerged as a strong contender, garnering widespread support, especially among Nigeria’s youth and urban voters.
The party insists that it remains committed to holding the APC government accountable and ensuring that democracy is not compromised.
“The strength of any democracy lies in a robust opposition. We will not allow unfounded allegations to distract us from our duty to the Nigerian people,” the LP asserted.
Political Reactions and the Call for Evidence
Atiku’s claim has stirred reactions from various quarters, with political analysts noting that such allegations, if true, would reveal a troubling pattern of political bribery and manipulation in Nigeria’s democratic process.
However, without concrete proof, critics argue that such statements could be dismissed as mere political rhetoric aimed at discrediting opponents.
The Labour Party warned that if Atiku fails to provide evidence, Nigerians may begin to question the credibility of his statements.
“If Atiku cannot provide proof, Nigerians will be forced to take his words with a pinch of salt. He should be careful with generalized allegations that diminish the role of the opposition in a democracy,” the LP stated.
