Former National Treasurer of the Labour Party (LP), Oluchi Oparah, has refuted allegations that former Anambra State governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, misappropriated party funds during his campaign.
Speaking on The Morning Brief on Channels Television, Oparah clarified that Obi not only financed his own campaign but also made substantial contributions to the Labour Party’s operations and stability.
“There was nothing of such. Mr. Obi never spent any money meant for the party,” she said in response to claims made by LP chieftain Abayomi Arabambi, who had accused Obi of using party funds to finance his presidential bid.
“In fact, he lifted the party from zero level to where it is today,” she added, recalling the party’s financial state prior to Obi’s entry.
According to Oparah, the Labour Party was in significant debt and struggling to pay staff salaries before Obi’s arrival. She stated that Obi fulfilled all financial responsibilities expected of him and went beyond by making additional donations from his personal resources.
“Mr. Obi fulfilled every righteousness financially towards the Labour Party. There was never a time he asked for a dime from the party, unlike other political parties will do,” she emphasized.
She also detailed the structure of campaign financing within the party, noting that each candidate was permitted to operate an independent campaign account, separate from the party’s official accounts.
“He spent a lot of money on the Labour Party. We have programmes that Mr. Obi solely financed by himself. Obi spent from his money because the Labour Party did not have a dime,” she said.
Oparah criticised what she described as a lack of accountability within the current APC-led administration and urged Nigerians to focus their scrutiny on those in power rather than targeting Peter Obi.
She further challenged those making financial allegations against Obi to provide verifiable evidence.
“As far as I am concerned, Mr. Obi was the only person who showed interest in contesting on the platform of the Labour Party. So, anyone claiming whatsoever should come out to show us the particular account to which they paid whatever thing they say they paid to the Labour Party,” she insisted.
Oparah also praised Obi’s consistent generosity, describing his charitable nature as deeply ingrained. “Anyone that knows Mr. Obi very well knows that his act of charity is five and six, like the air he breathes,” she concluded.
