Abure’s Disgraceful Arrest Raises Fresh Questions on Labour Party’s Management of Donated Funds

The National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, was arrested today in Benin City, Edo State capital, days after controversy erupted in the party following accusations from its National Treasurer, Ms. Oluchi Oparah. She alleged that the chairman and other members of its leadership embezzled billions in funds donated to the party to prosecute the 2023 campaign.

Images show Abure on the floor before he was placed in a police van, suggesting that he resisted arrest. Earlier, he attempted to quell the fire of the controversy by suspending the treasurer who raised the alarm. This prompted the public to wonder if it was appropriate for the accused to use the power of his office to silence and subdue the accuser.

The Labour Party has been enmeshed in controversy for months as the party’s hierarchy refused several attempts by members and other interested external parties to scrutinize its books for an accounting of the several billions it allegedly received in donations. This is in line with its mantra of a ‘new Nigeria,’ where political parties demonstrate transparency and full accountability to the public.

Its Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, and lead campaigner, Aisha Yesufu, earlier released what was termed a record of its deposits and funding. However, the effort was met with widespread criticism after holes were picked in some of the expenses and claims, including the assertion that the party spent more on legal matters than on logistics and campaign for the election itself.

Aisha Yesufu, who led a public donation campaign for the party, has been engaged in a battle with members of the party who accused her of diversion. This included allegations that she refused to pay volunteers and others who served as agents of the party. She has denied the allegations, asserting that all verified agents and other officials who served during the campaign and election were duly paid. She dismissed the claims of her accusers as an attempt to arm-twist her into releasing funds for unverified actions and items.

Abure’s arrest and potential prosecution have returned the subject to the headlines, raising fresh questions on the integrity of the party’s executives and doubts on the legitimacy of its claims as a party led and filled with genuine change agents.