Labour Party Crisis: Julius Abure Accuses Peter Obi, Aisha Yesufu of Mismanaging Election Funds

The internal crisis within Nigeria’s Labour Party (LP) has escalated, as National Chairman Julius Abure recently accused several prominent party members, including the 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi and activist Aisha Yesufu, of mismanaging funds allocated for the election campaign. Julius Abure, in a public statement, sought to address allegations that he and the party’s leadership were responsible for the mismanagement of campaign donations and the payment of polling unit agents, which contributed to Obi’s failure in the 2023 general election.

Abure Defends His Role in the Disbursement of Campaign Funds

Julius Abure categorically denied any wrongdoing in the handling of campaign finances, stressing that he and the party had no direct involvement in managing the funds used during the election campaign. According to him, the campaign finances were managed independently by key figures within the party and not by the party leadership. Abure stated that the Southern States’ campaign funds were overseen by Doyin Okupe, while Akin Oshuntokun also played a critical role in their management. Meanwhile, the campaign funds for the 19 Northern States were under the supervision of Labour Party’s Vice Presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed.

Julius Abure emphasized that Peter Obi, the party’s presidential flag bearer, was personally responsible for the overall funding of the election campaign. This, he noted, absolves the party of any direct involvement in financial mismanagement. He called the accusations “mischievous” and “unfounded,” expressing frustration over the continuous attacks on the party leadership regarding financial Julius Abure’s comments were an attempt to distance the party from the growing unrest within its ranks following its electoral defeat.

Aisha Yesufu and Pastor Ighodalo Handled Donations, Not the Party

In his detailed statement, Julius Abure clarified the Labour Party’s non-involvement in the collection and management of donations that flowed into the campaign. He noted that all financial contributions from supporters and donors were handled through designated accounts, which were managed by activist Aisha Yesufu and Pastor Itua Ighodalo. These two individuals, Julius Abure said, were also responsible for the disbursement of funds to pay polling unit agents across the country, a critical aspect of any election campaign.

Julius Abure dismissed claims that the Labour Party mismanaged campaign donations, asserting that neither he nor other party officials were signatories to the accounts used for campaign donations. The chairman lamented that these accusations were eroding the Labour Party’s credibility at a time when it needed to solidify its standing as a credible opposition force in Nigeria’s political landscape. He urged party members and the public to stop pointing fingers and to focus instead on addressing the pressing issues confronting the party.

Labour Party Faces Ongoing Internal Crisis Ahead of 2027 Elections

The accusations of financial mismanagement have deepened the Labour Party’s internal crisis, which has been ongoing since its poor showing in the 2023 general election. Many members have expressed concern over the party’s declining image, which they believe threatens its potential to serve as a strong opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.Julius Abure acknowledged that the party has been embroiled in a series of conflicts and infighting, which has undermined its unity and ability to challenge the ruling party effectively.

Political analysts have pointed out that for the Labour Party to remain relevant in Nigeria’s political arena, it must resolve these internal disputes and rebuild trust among its supporters. As the party prepares for future elections, the leadership is expected to undertake extensive reforms and restore confidence in its capacity to manage both internal and external challenges. However, whether the Labour Party can recover from the crisis and present itself as a viable alternative in the 2027 general election remains to be seen.

Labour Party Crisis: Julius Abure’s Accusations Against Peter Obi and Aisha Yesufu Ignite Social Media Reactions

The recent allegations made by Julius Abure, the National Chairman of the Labour Party, against Peter Obi and Aisha Yesufu have sparked a storm of reactions on social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter). Abure accused both Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, and Yesufu, a prominent activist, of mismanaging the party’s election campaign and funds. He claimed that Aisha Yesufu, being one of the signatories to the party’s account, had direct access to funds, raising questions about her role in the financial management of the party.

One prominent reaction came from Omar Zarma, an X user, who stated that “Aisha Yesufu must address the accusations against her,” pointing to the gravity of Abure’s claims. Meanwhile, another user, Henry MD, sarcastically commented, “This movie will be interesting! Let me grab my popcorn downplaying the severity of the accusations while emphasizing the ongoing drama. As the debate continues, many are waiting for an official response from both Obi and Yesufu.

Divided Opinions on Peter Obi’s Leadership and Role in Labour Party Mismanagement

Social media has become a battleground for supporters and critics of Peter Obi, with many questioning his ability to lead the Labour Party through its recent challenges. Julius Abure’s remarks have led to a polarized discussion, with some X users like Jacob Dumudje expressing sympathy for the party chairman. “Oh, Lord!!! I am beginning to feel sympathy for Abure. The man took all the bullets for Obi,” Dumudje posted, criticizing Obi’s alleged mismanagement. He also stated, “Obi is just a pretender,” accusing the former presidential candidate of hypocrisy in his campaign style.

Others, like Olad, attributed the party’s internal strife to the broader Nigerian political landscape, suggesting that many elites’ frustrations with the government are rooted in a desire for personal gain rather than genuine patriotism. Olad remarked, “The anger expressed by many Nigerian elites towards the government isn’t driven by a desire for a better Nigeria but rather a quest to gain access to easy money.” These differing opinions highlight the deep divisions within the Labour Party and its supporters, with some calling for greater accountability while others remain loyal to the party’s leadership