Former National Treasurer of the Labour Party (LP), Oluchi Oparah, has dismissed allegations that the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, used party funds to finance his campaign.
Speaking on Channels Television on Thursday, Oparah said Obi personally funded his campaign activities and even made donations to the party from his own resources.
“There was nothing of such. Mr Obi never spent any money meant for the party.
In fact, he lifted the party from zero level to where it is today,” she said.
Oparah explained that before Obi joined the party, the LP was heavily indebted and unable to pay staff salaries.
She added that the former Anambra State governor met all financial obligations expected of him without requesting funds from the party.
“Mr Obi fulfilled every righteousness financially towards the Labour Party. Unlike other politicians, he never asked for a dime.
He solely financed several party programmes from his personal funds because the Labour Party did not have a dime,” she stated.
The former treasurer clarified that campaign financing operates separately from party finances, with each candidate maintaining their own campaign account.
She said the Labour Party kept its official accounts for party operations.
Oparah urged those accusing Obi of financial misconduct to provide concrete evidence, challenging them to reveal the account into which they allegedly paid funds.
She also criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government for what she described as a lack of accountability, urging Nigerians to focus on holding the ruling party responsible rather than targeting Obi.
Describing Obi as naturally philanthropic, Oparah said his charitable acts predated his presidential ambition.
“Anyone who knows Mr Obi well knows that his act of charity is like the air he breathes,” she said.