The 36 State Chairmen of the Labour Party, alongside the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have refuted speculations suggesting a plot to suspend the party’s leader and Presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi.
It can be recalled that a report went viral over the weekend that the Party Chairman, Julius Abure was conspiring to suspend Obi over his public call for an audit of the party’s finances following allegations of Financial Impropriety levelled against him(Abure) by the Party’s national treasurer, Oluchi Oparah.
Dismissing the rumors as the handiwork of detractors, the state chairmen made their stance clear during a solidarity visit to Abure, at the party’s National Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Chairman of the Council of State Chairmen of the party, Ceekay Igara, affirmed their satisfaction with the day-to-day management of party affairs by the Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC).
“We also want to use this opportunity to debunk the allegation that the Labour Party is planning to suspend our National Leader, Peter Obi,” Igara stated.
“Our party is under the worst siege ever, including unleashing fierce propaganda against the party.”
Furthermore, Igara emphasized that the party had not contemplated the suspension of Peter Obi and reiterated his position as the party’s leader. He underscored Obi’s commitment to leading the party towards alleviating the nation’s challenges.
“The party has not at any time contemplated a suspension of our leader. He remains our leader and will continue to lead the party in our avowed determination to pull this nation out from the strangulation under this present government.”
“We are also using this opportunity to beg our media friends to cease on going media trial against our party and its leaders. What you are witnessing now is orchestrated and will fizzle out very soon.”, he added.
In a bid to dispel rumors and address concerns, Igara highlighted the purpose of the visit, emphasizing their confidence in Abure’s leadership and the transparent management of party affairs. He also addressed allegations of mismanagement of party funds, refuting claims of missing funds and misappropriation.
“We can confirm that the party only realized N1.3 million during the 2023 general election,” Igara clarified. “All these monies were lodged in the banks and were promptly receipted.”
“The audit is also clear about the money generated during the off season elections and how it was managed.”
Additionally, Igara denounced the activities of a group he described as “urchins,” purportedly claiming to be party officials at the state level. He emphasized that these individuals were not recognized members of the party, dismissing their actions as contrary to the party’s objectives.
In conclusion, Igara reiterated the party’s commitment to its goals and expressed confidence in Abure’s leadership. The council of chairmen unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the National Chairman and his executive, reaffirming their dedication to advancing the party’s agenda.
