The Labour Party (LP) has formally requested that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Security Adviser (NSA) investigate its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as well as Aisha Yesufu, Pastor Itua Ighodalo, and prominent Afenifere leaders. This call for an investigation stems from accusations of misappropriation of campaign funds amounting to billions of naira and millions in foreign donations.
Labour Party Demands EFCC Investigation into Alleged Campaign Funds Diversion
The Labour Party, through its National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, made these allegations during a press briefing in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Arabambi expressed concern that significant campaign contributions, including over ₦12 billion and $15 million, were diverted by the individuals involved.
Arabambi accused Peter Obi and his associates of orchestrating a campaign to defraud the party through financial misconduct. He said, “Peter Obi 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.”
Probe into Peter Obi and Afenifere Leaders
The accusations extend to high-profile members of the Afenifere leadership, including Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Akin Osuntokun, and Sola Ebiseni. These individuals are alleged to have retained ₦600 million in private and organizational accounts belonging to Afenifere, a socio-political group. The Labour Party claims that these funds were meant for its 2023 presidential campaign but were misappropriated. Arabambi highlighted the necessity of recovering these funds, describing the situation as a “financial infraction.”
In response to Aisha Yesufu’s defense against the allegations, Arabambi strongly criticized her comments as attempts to cover up financial misconduct. He labeled Yesufu’s actions as not only deceitful but also disrespectful to the party’s leadership, saying, “Her statements are an insult to the Labour Party and its efforts to run a transparent campaign.”
Despite these accusations, neither Peter Obi nor the implicated Afenifere leaders have issued an official response at this time. Arabambi’s call for EFCC and NSA involvement has heightened public interest, with many awaiting further developments in the investigation.
