LP crisis: Abure vows to expose Obi, Otti, others

Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure, has directly challenged Peter Obi and other former presidential aspirants from the party, demanding concrete evidence of any funds allegedly received by him or the party during the 2023 general elections.

Abure made this assertion in a video broadcast by Symfoni on Tuesday, addressing party members in the Federal Capital Territory amidst ongoing corruption allegations within the party’s leadership.

He vehemently denied any personal financial gains from party candidates, including Peter Obi, stating, “I want to challenge all of them—from Peter Obi downwards—who contested in the election. Let any of them come forward and disclose what they personally gave to me or to the party.”

Abure insisted on transparency: “If they have proof, let them present it. If not, they should remain silent forever.” He criticized what he termed as cowardly insinuations of corruption, accusing detractors of hiding behind media instead of confronting party leadership directly.

Additionally, Abure hinted at an upcoming world press conference where he plans to publicly expose individuals within the party’s opposition faction. Despite maintaining silence in the spirit of leadership and reconciliation, he warned that continued provocation would compel him to speak out.

Addressing allegations regarding financial support, Abure singled out Abia State Governor Alex Otti, the Labour Party’s sole elected governor, alleging minimal contribution from him. He recounted a meeting with Otti at Transcorp where he purportedly declined financial assistance, saying, “Governor, what do I need from you? Use your funds for your campaign.”

Moreover, Abure asserted that apart from a few legislators making modest contributions, the party did not receive substantial backing from elected members. He strongly refuted recent allegations of financial misconduct, asserting that the party leadership rejected multi-billion naira bribes during the election period, citing integrity as their guiding principle.

“We turned down these offers due to the integrity of our positions. Yet now, these same individuals seek to oust us,” Abure concluded.