Labour Party Calls for Investigation into Alleged Misappropriation of Funds

The National Working Committee of the Labour Party, led by Julius Abure, has urged the National Security Adviser and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate alleged misappropriation of funds from the 2023 presidential campaign. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, made the call at a press conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Wednesday.

Arabambi expressed concern over recent comments by Aisha Yesufu, who defended herself against accusations of being involved in the alleged diversion of campaign funds. The party has alleged that Yesufu, along with Pastor Itua Ighodalo and other accomplices, mismanaged and diverted over N12bn and $15m in donations intended for the Labour Party’s campaign.

Arabambi dismissed Yesufu’s denials as attempts to cover up the alleged financial misconduct and criticised her statements as an insult to the party’s leadership. He also accused Yesufu and her associates of acting under the direction of Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, to defraud the party.

Additionally, Arabambi implicated Afenifere leaders, including Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Akin Osuntokun, and Sola Ebiseni, accusing them of retaining over N600m in private accounts linked to Afenifere. He claimed that these individuals were hired by Obi to commit fraud and divert funds from the Labour Party’s presidential campaign.

The National Coordinator of the Obedient Movement, Dr. Yunisa Tanko, described the allegations as baseless and false. "The allegations are unfounded. I was present when Aisha Yesufu provided the audited account of the presidential campaign fund, and the truth is that no money is missing from the Labour Party’s accounts," Dr. Tanko stated.

The Deputy Leader of Afenifere, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, when contacted, said he was not familiar with the allegations. "I have just seen the lengthy press statement you are referring to. I have not read it, but if Afenifere needs to respond later, we will certainly do so," Olaitan said.

The Labour Party has committed to transparency and accountability and is calling for a thorough investigation into all bank accounts associated with the alleged misconduct.