A new crisis is unfolding within the Labour Party, as the National Treasurer, Mrs. Oluchi Oparah, has publicly demanded accountability from the National Chairman, Julius Abure, regarding the handling of over N3.5 billion in party funds. The funds are said to be proceeds from the sale of forms and various fundraisers for the upcoming 2023 general elections.
During a press conference in Abuja, Oparah accused Abure of hindering her from fulfilling her constitutionally assigned role of managing the party’s accounts. She also claimed that despite numerous appeals, the chairman has refused to open the party’s financial records for scrutiny following the closure of the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms for the 2023 general elections.
In her address to the media, Oparah expressed her concerns, stating, “I stand before you today with a heavy heart and a sense of duty to the principles of transparency, accountability, and justice.” She further emphasized the need to address the “egregious financial mismanagement and corruption” within the party under Abure’s leadership, citing his “brazen abuse of office and misappropriation of party funds.”
Oparah highlighted the chairman’s unchecked quest for power, alleging deliberate efforts to undermine her responsibilities and authority as outlined in the party’s constitution. This escalating internal conflict raises pressing concerns about the party’s financial integrity and governance, prompting widespread attention and calls for transparent and ethical leadership.
