LP Chairman Julius Abure Dares Peter Obi, Others to Prove Financial Support During 2023 Elections

Amid ongoing internal disputes within the Labour Party (LP), its National Chairman, Julius Abure, has issued a bold and defiant statement, challenging the party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi and other former aspirants to publicly present proof of any financial contributions made to him or the party during the general elections.

In a fiery video broadcast shared by Symfoni on Tuesday, Abure categorically denied ever receiving money from Obi or any other candidate for personal use. He claimed the accusations of corruption levelled against him by opposing factions in the party were baseless and part of a wider smear campaign.

“I want to challenge all of them,” Abure said in a meeting with party members in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). “I saw some of them on television talking about corruption. Let any of them from Peter Obi down come forward and publicly declare what they personally gave to me or the party.”

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“Let Them Speak or Remain Silent Forever”

Abure demanded specific proof regarding any alleged financial transactions. “Who brought the money? Who was it given to? Where was it sent? I challenge them today to come out boldly with or without evidence and say it. Otherwise, let them forever remain silent,” he declared.

The LP chairman further revealed his intention to hold a world press conference to address the controversies and increasing tensions within the party. According to him, his silence up until now was not an admission of guilt but a deliberate effort to maintain internal unity.

“As a leader, I kept quiet thinking they were making mistakes and would eventually come around,” Abure said. “When issues about election agents and funds came up, I said nothing because I believed I should accept the good, the bad, and the ugly within our fold.”

However, he warned that any continued provocation would push him to speak out more forcefully. “If they provoke me further, I will reveal everything. When I open my mouth, they will stink like rotten eggs no one wants to touch.”

Abia Governor Alex Otti in the Crossfire

Abure didn’t stop at Obi. He also directed sharp criticism at Abia State Governor Alex Otti, the Labour Party’s only elected governor. According to Abure, Otti contributed nothing financially to the party during the elections and should not pretend otherwise.

“That governor who is jumping like a cricket from one point to another, we did not collect a dime from him,” Abure stated. “If he gave money to anyone, let him come forward and say so.”

Recounting a private interaction with Otti, Abure said, “When we met at Transcorp, he asked me, ‘Chairman, what do I do for you?’ I told him, ‘Nothing. Use your money for your campaign.’”

He reiterated that apart from a few exceptions, the Labour Party leadership received no direct financial support from elected representatives, including Otti, during the 2023 elections.

Defending His Leadership and Integrity

Abure categorically denied all corruption allegations, asserting that the party leadership rejected bribes and political inducements offered to them during the election period. “We rejected offers despite the influence of those who made them. But today, those same individuals are leading the campaign to oust us,” he said.

He claimed the party faced immense political pressure, yet stayed committed to its principles, resisting attempts to be co-opted or manipulated. Abure argued that the corruption narrative being pushed against him is orchestrated by those seeking to destabilize the party and seize control for personal or political gain.

Labour Party: A Party at a Crossroads

The Labour Party has been embroiled in internal crises since the conclusion of the 2023 general elections. Allegations of corruption, questions about campaign fund usage, and a lack of transparency have fueled tension between the national leadership and some of its prominent figures, including Peter Obi.

There have also been calls from various quarters for a restructuring of the party’s leadership, with demands for increased accountability and democratic reforms.

Abure’s latest remarks, though combative, underscore the deepening divide within the party. His statements signal a refusal to step aside or bow to pressure, even as the party grapples with challenges that threaten its cohesion ahead of future elections.

As the Labour Party continues to find its footing post-2023, all eyes remain on how the leadership addresses these conflicts and whether the party can emerge stronger or be consumed by internal strife.