LP seeks EFCC probe into Yesufu, Obi over campaign funds

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Labour Party, led by Julius Abure, has urged the National Security Adviser and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate key figures, including Aisha Yesufu, Pastor Itua Ighodalo, and the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for alleged misappropriation of campaign funds.

The call was made by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, during a press conference held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Wednesday.

Arabambi expressed concerns over recent statements made by Yesufu, who has been defending herself against accusations of diverting campaign funds. The party alleges that Yesufu, along with Pastor Ighodalo and others, mismanaged and diverted over ₦12 billion and $15 million in donations intended for the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential campaign.

Arabambi dismissed Yesufu’s denials as attempts to cover up the alleged financial misconduct and criticized her remarks as an insult to the party’s leadership. He further accused Yesufu and her associates of acting under Obi’s direction, describing the former presidential candidate as a “political merchant” intent on defrauding the party.

The NWC also implicated leaders of Afenifere, including Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Akin Osuntokun, and Sola Ebiseni, alleging that they retained over ₦600 million in private accounts linked to Afenifere. Arabambi claimed that these individuals were hired by Obi to commit fraud and divert funds from the Labour Party’s campaign while posing as elder statesmen.

“The trio of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Akin Osuntokun, and Sola Ebiseni were involved in financial infractions totaling over ₦600 million, which they have kept in private accounts and Afenifere accounts,” Arabambi stated. He emphasized the Labour Party’s commitment to transparency and accountability, calling for a thorough investigation into all bank accounts associated with the alleged misconduct.

In response, the National Coordinator of the Obedient Movement, Dr. Yunisa Tanko, dismissed the allegations as baseless, asserting that no money was missing from the Labour Party’s accounts. Dr. Tanko stated, “I was present when Aisha Yesufu provided the audited account of the presidential campaign fund, and the truth is that no money is missing.”

When contacted, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, the Deputy Leader of Afenifere, said he was unfamiliar with the allegations but indicated that Afenifere would respond if necessary after reviewing the press statement.