Labour Party Accuses Obi, Yesufu, Afenifere Leaders Of Fraud

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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Afenifere Leader Advocates Nigeria’s Return To Parliamentary System

Obasempire reports that Ayo Adebanjo, the head of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has thrown his weight behind the proposition for Nigeria to revert to the parliamentary system of governance.

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Adebanjo contended that the presidential system of governance is excessively costly and riddled with corruption.

His stance emerged during an appearance on Arise Television, where he articulated his views passionately.

Adebanjo staunchly maintained that the presidential system transforms the president into a dictator post-election, rendering questioning of his authority obsolete.

According to him, “Those of us who’ve had experience with the parliamentary system in this country see that it’s the only way out. The presidential system is corrupt, especially in Nigeria; it makes the president a dictator.

“To question the supremacy of the president is only in operation before the election; the moment he’s elected, he becomes a dictator where no one can oppose him. His word is the law.

“Particularly in Nigeria, our constitution makes the president the most powerful in the world. The system is too expensive and corrupt. The earlier we revert, the better.

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“Under the parliamentary system, the prime minister becomes more responsible; he’s responsible to the parliament. By the name itself, the prime minister falls among equals. If he misbehaves, the parliament will question him because the ministers are elected members of their constituencies.

“The advantages of a parliamentary system are many. It is a welcome development that should be implemented expeditiously, and the constitution should be changed.”