The National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, has issued a direct challenge to the party’s 2023 presidential flag bearer, Peter Obi, and other past aspirants, urging them to present proof of any financial contributions made to him or the party during the general elections.
In a video released by Symfoni on Tuesday, Abure firmly refuted claims that he received funds for personal use from any candidate, including Obi.
He warned that if the attacks against him persist, he would reveal damaging information about members of the opposing faction, stating they would be left “reeking like rotten eggs.”
While speaking to party members in the Federal Capital Territory, Abure declared:
“I want to challenge all of them. I saw some of them on television talking about corruption. Let any of them from Peter Obi down come forward and publicly declare what they personally gave to me or the party.
“Who brought the money? Who was it given to? Where was it sent? I challenge them today to come out boldly with or without evidence and say it. Otherwise, let them forever remain silent.”
He also disclosed plans to hold a world press conference to directly address the allegations and internal discord plaguing the party.
Abure explained that he had chosen to remain silent out of a desire to maintain unity and promote reconciliation.
“As a leader, I kept quiet thinking they were making mistakes and would eventually come around.
“When issues about election agents and funds came up, I said nothing because I believed I should accept the good, the bad, and the ugly within our fold,” he said.
“But now that some have crossed the line, I have no choice. If they provoke me further, I will reveal everything. When I open my mouth, they will stink like rotten eggs no one wants to touch,” he said.
Abure also took aim at the Labour Party’s sole governor, Alex Otti of Abia State, alleging he did not contribute financially to the party during the elections.
“That governor who is jumping like a cricket from one point to another, we did not collect a dime from him. If he gave money to anyone, let him come forward and say so.
“When we met at Transcorp, he asked me, ‘Chairman, what do I do for you?’ I told him, ‘Nothing. Use your money for your campaign.’” He said.
He emphasized that, apart from a few isolated instances, neither Otti nor most elected officials extended financial support to the party.
Abure further denied all corruption allegations, asserting that the party’s leadership resisted lucrative bribes and stood firm under intense political pressure during and after the 2023 elections.
“We rejected offers despite the influence of those who made them. But today, those same individuals are leading the campaign to oust us,” he said.
The Labour Party has been grappling with internal strife, questions around transparency, and leadership disputes in the wake of the 2023 general elections.
