N3.5bn fraud: LP chairmen reject fraud allegations, back Obi, Abure

Chairmen of the Labour Party, LP, in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, have backed the call by the presidential candidate of the party, Peter Obi, for the accounts of the party to be subjected to an external audit.

This is coming amid allegations against the party’s national chairman, Julius Abure.

The chairmen, who were led by the chairman, Council of State Chairmen of LP, Ceekay Igara of Abia State, said they refused to accept the financial fraud allegation against Abure.

This was made known on Tuesday after a meeting at the party’s national secretariat.

DAILY POST reports that Abure is being accused of mismanaging the funds of the party to the tune of N3.5bn.

While Abure denied the allegations, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi demanded an investigation of the party’s finances and records by a reputable audit firm.

“His (Obi) decision to involve an independent auditor is a welcome one, and we believe that the outcome will finally exonerate Abure and also expose the lies being peddled by the suspended treasurer,” Igara said.

He also refuted claims that the party was considering the suspension of Obi.

“The party has not at any time contemplated the suspension of our leader.

“He remains our leader and will continue to lead the party in our avowed determination to pull this nation out of the strangulation under this present government.

“What you are witnessing now is orchestrated and will fizzle out very soon,” Igara said.