The National Working Committee of the Labour Party, under Julius Abure’s leadership, has called for an investigation into several prominent figures, including Aisha Yesufu, Pastor Itua Ighodalo, former presidential candidate Peter Obi, and Afenifere leaders, for alleged misappropriation of funds from the 2023 presidential campaign.
This call for scrutiny was made by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, during a press conference held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Wednesday. Arabambi voiced concerns over recent statements by Yesufu, who has defended herself against accusations of mismanaging campaign funds.
The Labour Party claims that Yesufu, along with Pastor Ighodalo and other associates, misused and diverted over ₦12 billion and $15 million in donations intended for the campaign. Arabambi criticized Yesufu’s rebuttals as attempts to obscure alleged financial misconduct and denounced her comments as insulting to the party’s leadership.
Arabambi further accused Yesufu and her associates of operating under the direction of Obi, whom he labeled a “political merchant,” with the intent to defraud the party. He also implicated Afenifere leaders—Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Akin Osuntokun, and Sola Ebiseni—accusing them of holding over ₦600 million in private accounts linked to Afenifere. Arabambi alleged that these individuals were hired by Obi to commit fraud and divert funds from the Labour Party’s presidential campaign.
“The trio of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Akin Osuntokun, and Sola Ebiseni were involved in financial infractions totaling over ₦600 million, which they have retained in private and Afenifere accounts,” Arabambi stated. “Peter Obi allegedly engaged Aisha Yesufu, Pastor Itua Ighodalo, and this faction of Afenifere to orchestrate looting, criminal conspiracy, and diversion of campaign funds while posing as elder statesmen.”
Arabambi emphasized the party’s commitment to transparency and accountability, calling for an exhaustive investigation into all bank accounts associated with the alleged misconduct. He urged that all accounts linked to Adebanjo, Osuntokun, and Ebiseni be thoroughly examined to determine Afenifere’s role in the alleged fraud.
In response, Dr. Yunisa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obedient Movement, dismissed the allegations as baseless. “The accusations are unfounded. I witnessed Aisha Yesufu present the audited account of the presidential campaign fund, and there is no missing money from the Labour Party’s accounts,” Dr. Tanko asserted in a phone conversation with our correspondent.
Afenifere’s Deputy Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, responded to the allegations by stating he was not familiar with the press statement. “I have just seen the statement you are referring to. I have not read it, but if Afenifere needs to respond later, we will certainly do so,” Olaitan said.
Written by: Blossom Kugbere.