Julius Abure Denies Allegations of Fund Misappropriation

In response to allegations of misappropriation of party funds raised by the embattled National Treasurer of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, the National Chairman, vehemently defended himself, dismissing claims of financial impropriety.

During an appearance on ARISE Television’s Morning Show on Thursday, Abure refuted assertions that the party had amassed over N3.5 billion in revenue. The Chairman addressed the ongoing crisis within the party, disputing accusations made by the suspended National Treasurer, Mrs. Oluchi Oparah.

Oparah had accused Abure of withholding access to the party’s financial records and bank accounts, insisting that the Chairman must be held accountable for funds totaling over N3.5 billion. These funds purportedly stemmed from the sale of forms and various fundraising activities for the 2023 general election.

Contrary to Oparah’s claims, Abure asserted that the party’s audited report, conducted by a certified auditor, demonstrated otherwise. According to Abure, the audited statements of accounts from 2022 to 2023 revealed a total of N1.3 billion entering the party’s account, with an additional N700 million allocated directly to campaign funds.

In response to Oparah’s allegations, the Labour Party’s National Working Committee (NWC) imposed a six-month suspension on the Treasurer. The National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Obiora Ifoh, denounced Oparah as a mole used by dissidents to sow discord within the party.

Challenging Oparah to substantiate her claims, Abure demanded transparency, urging her to provide evidence supporting the alleged N3.5 billion in generated funds during the election period.

“I want to challenge her that she should make the record available where she arrived at the sum of N3.5 billion as money generated during the election,” stated Abure emphatically during the interview.

Amidst the internal turmoil, the Labour Party grapples with allegations of financial misconduct, with Abure’s rebuttal marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing dispute over the party’s financial integrity.