Oluchi Oparah, the former national treasurer of the Labour Party (LP), has categorically debunked allegations that Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, misused party funds during his campaign.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Oparah clarified that Obi not only refrained from tampering with party resources but also personally funded his campaign and contributed significantly to stabilizing the party’s finances.
The allegations, leveled by LP chieftain Abayomi Arabambi, claimed that Obi had spent party funds on his presidential bid. Oparah firmly dismissed these claims, stating, “There was nothing of such. Mr. Obi never spent any money meant for the party.”
She emphasized that Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, single-handedly financed numerous party programs and lifted the LP from financial distress when he joined in 2022.
“In fact, he lifted the party from zero level to where it is today,” Oparah added, noting that the LP was heavily indebted and unable to pay staff salaries before Obi’s involvement.
Oparah explained that campaign financing in the LP operates separately from party accounts, with candidates managing their own campaign funds.
“Obi spent a lot of money on the Labour Party. We have programs that Mr. Obi solely financed by himself because the Labour Party did not have a dime,” she said during the interview.
She challenged those making accusations against Obi to provide evidence of any payments they claim to have made to the party.
The former treasurer also took a swipe at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), criticizing what she described as a lack of accountability in the current administration.
She urged Nigerians to focus on holding the government responsible rather than targeting Obi with unfounded allegations.
Obi, who ran a populist campaign in 2023, garnered significant support, particularly among younger voters, finishing third with 6.1 million votes, behind APC’s Bola Tinubu and PDP’s Atiku Abubakar.
His campaign, driven by the “Obidient” movement, was noted for its grassroots energy and social media presence, despite the LP’s limited national structure at the time.
Oparah’s revelations come amidst ongoing political discussions, with Obi recently announcing his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election.
He remains a key figure in the opposition, actively involved in a coalition with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to challenge the APC in the upcoming polls.
As Nigeria’s political landscape continues to evolve, Oparah’s defense of Obi underscores his reputation for financial prudence and personal sacrifice, qualities that have endeared him to many supporters.
The Labour Party, now bolstered by Obi’s influence, is positioning itself as a formidable force in the quest for Nigeria’s presidency.
