- According to her, Obi not only met all his financial obligations but also supported the party from his personal funds.
- She further challenged critics to present evidence if they claim to have contributed funds to the Labour Party.
Oluchi Oparah, the former National Treasurer of the Labour Party (LP), has debunked claims that Peter Obi misused party funds during his 2023 presidential campaign.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Oparah made it clear that the former Anambra State Governor personally financed his campaign and contributed significantly to the party’s financial stability.
“There was nothing of such. Mr. Obi never spent any money meant for the party,” she said in response to accusations made by LP chieftain Abayomi Arabambi, who alleged that Obi used party funds for his campaign.
“In fact, he lifted the party from zero level to where it is today,” Oparah added.
She revealed that prior to Obi’s entry into the Labour Party, it was in dire financial straits—deeply indebted and unable to pay staff salaries. According to her, Obi not only met all his financial obligations but also supported the party from his personal funds.
“Mr. Obi fulfilled every righteousness financially towards the Labour Party. There was never a time he asked for a dime from the party, unlike other political parties will do,” she stated.
Explaining the campaign structure, Oparah noted that each candidate had the right to operate a separate campaign account, distinct from the party’s official finances.
“He spent a lot of money on the Labour Party. We have programmes that Mr. Obi solely financed by himself. Obi spent from his money because the Labour Party did not have a dime,” she said.
Oparah also took a swipe at the APC-led federal government, criticising the administration’s lack of financial transparency. She urged Nigerians to shift their focus to holding the ruling party accountable, instead of targeting Peter Obi with unfounded allegations.
She further challenged critics to present evidence if they claim to have contributed funds to the Labour Party.
“As far as I am concerned, Mr. Obi was the only person who showed interest in contesting on the platform of the Labour Party.
“So, anyone claiming whatsoever should come out to show us the particular account to which they paid whatever thing they say they paid to the Labour Party,” she maintained.
Oparah concluded by praising Obi’s philanthropic spirit, describing it as second nature to him: “Anyone that knows Mr. Obi very well knows that his act of charity is five and six, like the air he breathes.”
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