In a dramatic escalation of internal tensions, the National Working Committee (NWC) of Nigeria’s Labour Party, led by Julius Abure, has called for a full-scale investigation into prominent figures associated with the party’s 2023 presidential campaign. At the heart of the allegations are claims of misappropriation of funds, with accusations directed at activist Aisha Yesufu, Pastor Itua Ighodalo, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate Peter Obi, and several leaders of the influential Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere.
The call for action was made by Abayomi Arabambi, the Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, at a press conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Arabambi urged the National Security Adviser and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate Yesufu, Ighodalo, and others for their alleged involvement in the mismanagement of campaign donations, which reportedly amounted to over ₦12 billion and $15 million.
Arabambi’s remarks came in the wake of recent public statements by Yesufu, in which she sought to dismiss the allegations against her. Arabambi rejected Yesufu’s defence, labelling her denials as a mere attempt to “cover up financial misconduct.” He further alleged that Yesufu had acted under the direction of Peter Obi, whom he described as a “political merchant,” accusing the party’s former presidential candidate of orchestrating a scheme to defraud the Labour Party.
In addition to these claims, Arabambi implicated Afenifere leaders Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Akin Osuntokun, and Sola Ebiseni, accusing them of illegally holding over ₦600 million in private accounts linked to the group. “Peter Obi allegedly hired Aisha Yesufu, Pastor Itua Ighodalo, and this faction of Afenifere to commit looting, criminal conspiracy, and diversion of funds,” Arabambi charged.
Reaffirming the Labour Party’s commitment to transparency, Arabambi called for a comprehensive audit of all bank accounts associated with the accused, including those belonging to Afenifere leaders, to uncover the extent of their alleged complicity in the financial misdeeds.
In contrast, Yunisa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obedient Movement, dismissed the accusations as baseless. “I was present when Aisha Yesufu provided the audited account of the presidential campaign fund. No money is missing from Labour Party accounts,” Tanko asserted. Similarly, Deputy Leader of Afenifere, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, indicated that while he had not reviewed the full details of the allegations, Afenifere would respond if necessary.
As the controversy unfolds, calls for clarity and accountability within the Labour Party continue to reverberate across Nigeria’s political landscape. Whether these allegations will result in further legal action or public fracturing within the Labour Party remains to be seen.
