The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Labour Party (LP), under the leadership of Julius Abure, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Security Adviser (NSA) to launch a thorough investigation into the alleged diversion of over ₦12 billion and $15 million in donations intended for the party’s 2023 presidential campaign.
At a press briefing held in Abeokuta on Wednesday, the LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, made strong accusations against the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi; activist Aisha Yesufu; Pastor Itua Ighodalo; and leaders of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, including Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Akin Osuntokun, and Sola Ebiseni. Arabambi alleged that these individuals were complicit in the misappropriation and diversion of campaign funds.
Describing Peter Obi as a “political merchant,” Arabambi accused him of orchestrating a scheme to siphon funds meant for the Labour Party’s campaign. According to Arabambi, Obi, alongside Yesufu and Ighodalo, mismanaged campaign donations and engaged in a conspiracy to defraud the party.
The accusations against Afenifere leaders—Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Akin Osuntokun, and Sola Ebiseni—were particularly striking. Arabambi alleged that they were involved in financial irregularities amounting to over ₦600 million, which were reportedly kept in private and Afenifere accounts. These funds, he claimed, were initially intended for the Labour Party’s presidential campaign but were diverted under the direction of Peter Obi.
Arabambi criticized Aisha Yesufu’s recent public statements defending her involvement, suggesting that her comments were merely attempts to deflect attention from the truth. He further alleged that Peter Obi had “hired” Yesufu, Pastor Ighodalo, and members of Afenifere to engage in what he called “looting, criminal conspiracy, and diversion of funds,” all while presenting themselves as respectable figures in the political landscape.
The Labour Party’s NWC has expressed its commitment to transparency and accountability, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged misconduct. They called for the EFCC to examine all bank accounts associated with the individuals named, to uncover the extent of the alleged misappropriation.
“The trio of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Akin Osuntokun, and Sola Ebiseni were involved in financial infractions totaling over ₦600 million, which they have kept in private accounts and Afenifere accounts,” Arabambi asserted. He urged for a deep dive into the financial dealings linked to these leaders to determine Afenifere’s role in the alleged financial scandal.
The NWC’s call for an investigation underscores a significant internal crisis within the Labour Party, raising questions about the party’s internal governance and the integrity of its high-profile leaders. The allegations, if proven true, could have far-reaching implications not only for the individuals involved but also for the political landscape ahead of future elections.
The EFCC and NSA are yet to respond to the Labour Party’s request for an investigation, but this development is expected to attract significant public and media scrutiny as it unfolds.
