Obasempire reports that the National Working Committee of the Labour Party, headed by Julius Abure, has urged the National Security Adviser and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to probe Aisha Yesufu, Pastor Itua Ighodalo, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and Afenifere leaders for alleged misappropriation of funds from the 2023 presidential campaign.
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This appeal was made by the LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, during a press conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Wednesday.
Arabambi voiced concern over recent remarks by Yesufu, who defended herself against claims of involvement in the alleged mismanagement of 2023 campaign funds.
The party accuses Yesufu, Pastor Ighodalo, and other collaborators of mishandling and diverting over N12bn and $15m in donations meant for the Labour Party’s campaign.
Arabambi dismissed Yesufu’s denials as attempts to conceal the purported financial wrongdoing and criticized her statements as an affront to the party’s leadership.
He also charged Yesufu and her associates with operating under Obi’s influence, labeling him a “political merchant” intent on defrauding the party.
Furthermore, Arabambi implicated Afenifere leaders, including Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Akin Osuntokun, and Sola Ebiseni, accusing them of holding over N600m in private accounts associated with Afenifere.
He alleged that these individuals were employed by Obi to commit fraud and siphon funds from the Labour Party’s presidential campaign.
“The trio of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Akin Osuntokun, and Sola Ebiseni were involved in financial infractions totaling over ₦600m, which they have kept in private accounts and Afenifere accounts,” Arabambi stated. “Peter Obi allegedly hired Aisha Yesufu, Pastor Itua Ighodalo, and this faction of Afenifere to commit looting, criminal conspiracy, and diversion of funds from the Labour Party’s presidential campaign while presenting themselves as elder statesmen.”
Arabambi highlighted the party’s commitment to transparency and accountability and called for an investigation into all bank accounts associated with the alleged misconduct.
He urged a thorough investigation into the accounts linked to Adebanjo, Osuntokun, and Ebiseni to ascertain the extent of Afenifere’s involvement in the alleged fraud.
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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 in a phone conversation with our correspondent.
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.
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