The Labour Party’s National Working Committee, led by Julius Abure, has requested that the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigate Aisha Yesufu, Pastor Itua Ighodalo, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Afenifere leaders for alleged misappropriation of campaign funds.
The LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, made the appeal during a news conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Wednesday.
Arabambi raised alarm about Yesufu’s recent comments, in which she defended herself against charges of involvement in the alleged diversion of campaign finances for 2023.
The Labour Party has alleged that Yesufu, along with Pastor Ighodalo and other accomplices, mismanaged and diverted over N12bn and $15m in donations intended for the Labour Party’s campaign.
Arabambi slammed Yesufu’s denials as attempts to conceal the alleged financial malfeasance, calling her words an insult to the party’s leadership.
He further accused Yesufu and her friends of defrauding the party at the command of Obi, whom he referred to as a “political merchant.”
Arabambi also accused Afenifere leaders, including Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Akin Osuntokun, and Sola Ebiseni, of keeping more than N600 million in Afenifere-linked private accounts.
He alleged that these individuals were hired by Obi to commit fraud and divert funds from the Labour Party’s presidential campaign.
“The trio of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Akin Osuntokun, and Sola Ebiseni were involved in financial infractions totalling 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 emphasised the party’s commitment to transparency and responsibility, calling for a probe into all bank accounts linked to the suspected malfeasance.
He called for a comprehensive inquiry into the accounts related to Adebanjo, Osuntokun, and Ebiseni to determine the degree of Afenifere’s role in the alleged fraud.
Dr. Yunisa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the Obedient Movement, denounced the claims as unjustified and incorrect.
“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 aware of 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.
