Tensions Rise in Labour Party: Suspended Treasurer Accuses Chairman of Fund Diversion

The ongoing dispute within the Labour Party has escalated as the suspended National Treasurer, Ms. Oluchi Oparah, challenges the National Chairman, Julius Abure, to provide an account of the donations received from Nigerians in the Diaspora during the campaign tour of LP presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in the United States.

Oparah’s suspension stemmed from her allegation that Abure diverted N3.5bn allegedly raised from the sale of nomination forms and fundraising activities during the lead-up to the 2023 general election.

However, Abure has refuted this claim, stating that only N1.3bn entered the party’s coffers, with an additional N800m allocated for the campaign.

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Undeterred by the suspension and denial, Oparah insists that funds were raised during the LP presidential campaign tour in the US under Abure’s leadership, but none of it was accounted for upon his return.

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She accuses Abure of using proxy accounts to withdraw party funds and questions his integrity.

In response, Abure denies any wrongdoing, asserting that changes to the party’s account signatories were made with the involvement of other party officials, including Maria Lebeke, the acting national chairman at the time.

He emphasizes that all withdrawals were co-signed and conducted in accordance with party protocols, refuting Oparah’s allegations as an attempt to tarnish his reputation.

The dispute highlights deep-seated divisions within the Labour Party and raises concerns about financial transparency and accountability within the organization.

As the conflict unfolds, both sides are likely to continue trading accusations and seeking to vindicate their positions.