The National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure has issued a strong challenge to the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi and other former aspirants, demanding that they provide evidence of financial support made to him or the party during the general elections.
Speaking in a video broadcast by Symfoni on Tuesday, Abure categorically denied receiving any funds for personal use from any candidate, including Obi.
He cautioned that if provoked further, he would expose those in the opposing faction, claiming they would be left “reeking like rotten eggs.”
Addressing party members in the Federal Capital Territory, Abure said:
“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.”
Abure also announced his intention to convene a world press conference to address the allegations and internal tensions that have recently rocked the party.
He claimed that his silence until now was driven by a desire for peace and reconciliation within the party.
“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.
Turning his criticism toward Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, the Labour Party’s only governor, Abure accused him of contributing nothing to the party’s coffers during the election.
“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.
Abure insisted that the party had received no financial support from Otti or other elected representatives, apart from a few exceptions.
He also denied all corruption allegations, claiming the leadership turned down billions in bribes and withstood immense 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 dealing with internal conflicts, transparency and leadership concerns since after the 2023 election.
