The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Labour Party, led by Julius Abure, has called on the National Security Adviser and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate prominent figures, including social activist Aisha Yesufu, Pastor Itua Ighodalo, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and leaders of the Afenifere group, for alleged misappropriation of campaign funds during the 2023 elections.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, made the call during a press conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Arabambi expressed concerns over Aisha Yesufu’s recent public defense against accusations that she and others diverted funds from the campaign.
According to Arabambi, Yesufu, Ighodalo, and their associates allegedly mismanaged over ₦12 billion and $15 million in donations meant for the Labour Party’s presidential campaign. He further claimed that Yesufu’s denials were attempts to conceal the misconduct, accusing her of working under Peter Obi’s direction to defraud the party.
Arabambi also implicated leaders of Afenifere, including Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Akin Osuntokun, and Sola Ebiseni, accusing them of retaining over ₦600 million in accounts linked to Afenifere. He described the group’s involvement as part of a larger conspiracy to loot campaign funds while projecting an image of elder statesmanship.
In response, Dr. Yunisa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obedient Movement, dismissed the allegations as baseless, stating that Aisha Yesufu had already provided audited accounts showing no missing funds from the Labour Party’s coffers. Similarly, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, Deputy Leader of Afenifere, noted that he was unaware of the accusations and would respond if necessary.
The Labour Party has called for a thorough investigation into all accounts linked to the alleged financial misconduct, reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability.
