A fresh crisis has erupted within the Labour Party, with its National Treasurer, Mrs. Oluchi Oparah, demanding accountability from the National Chairman, Julius Abure, regarding party funds exceeding N3.5 billion.
Oparah made this demand at a briefing in Abuja, alleging that Abure had prevented her from fulfilling her constitutional role of managing the party’s finances.
Oparah accused Abure of obstructing her access to the party’s financial records since the closure of the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms for the 2023 general elections.
She further alleged that Abure had engaged in forgery, embezzlement, and corrupt practices during his tenure.
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According to Oparah, Abure failed to account for the proceeds of the sale of nomination forms, diverting funds raised from his home state of Edo to his private accounts.
Additionally, she claimed that funds raised from off-cycle elections and donations had mysteriously disappeared under Abure’s leadership.
Oparah also accused Abure of siphoning party funds through unauthorized transfers to individuals and special purpose vehicles owned by him and his associates.
She called for immediate action, including documentation of funds raised, accountability for expenditures, and an independent forensic audit of the party’s finances.
In response, Abure, speaking through the National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Obiora Ifoh, dismissed Oparah’s allegations as baseless and influenced by external forces.
He characterized her statements as a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of the party.
The allegations and counter-allegations highlight the deepening internal crisis within the Labour Party, raising concerns about transparency, accountability, and leadership integrity within the organization.
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