Peter Obi never spent Labour Party funds on campaign – Ex-Treasurer

A former National Treasurer of the Labour Party (LP), Oluchi Oparah, has dismissed allegations that former Anambra State governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, used party funds to finance his campaign.

Speaking on Channels Television on Thursday night, August 7, Oparah described the claims — made by LP chieftain Abayomi Arabambi as “completely false,” stressing that Obi personally funded his campaign and even made financial contributions to the party.

“There was nothing of such. Mr. Obi never spent any money meant for the party,” Oparah said. “In fact, he lifted the party from zero level to where it is today.”

Oparah recalled that before Obi joined the Labour Party, it was in deep debt and could not pay staff salaries. She said the former governor met all financial obligations required of him and donated from his own resources to strengthen the party.

“Mr. Obi fulfilled every righteousness financially towards the Labour Party. There was never a time he asked for a dime from the party, unlike what happens in other political parties,” she stated.

She also explained that campaign financing for candidates was handled through separate accounts, distinct from the party’s official accounts, and that Obi personally covered the cost of several LP programmes.

“The Labour Party didn’t have a dime. Mr. Obi spent from his own money,” Oparah said.

Turning her attention to governance, Oparah criticised what she described as a lack of accountability under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and urged Nigerians to focus on holding the government to account instead of targeting Obi.

She challenged those making allegations to provide proof.

“Anyone making such claims should show us the particular account where the money was lodged,” she said.

Oparah praised Obi’s philanthropic record, describing it as an enduring part of his character long before his presidential bid.

“Anyone who knows Mr. Obi knows that his act of charity is like the air he breathes,” she added.

Source: LIB