Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure, has strongly responded to internal critics, including 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti, following accusations of corruption and financial mismanagement.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Abure denied all claims of misusing party funds during the 2023 elections and dared his critics to publicly prove they gave him or the party any money. He warned that if the accusations persist, he would expose details that could damage reputations.
“I saw some of them on TV talking about corruption. From Peter Obi down, I challenge any of them to come forward and declare exactly what they gave me or the party,” Abure said.
“Who gave money, where was it sent, and to whom? Let them boldly come out and say it—with or without evidence. Otherwise, they should remain silent.”
Abure explained that he had chosen not to speak earlier for the sake of unity and peace within the party. However, he said the ongoing criticism had gone too far.
“As a leader, I kept quiet for long. I hoped they would come to their senses. When issues around election agents and funding came up, I stayed silent, accepting both the good and the bad within our party. But now, the line has been crossed. If they push me further, I will speak out, and it won’t be pleasant. What I will say will make them stink like rotten eggs,” he said.
He also revealed plans to host a world press conference soon, where he intends to fully address the party’s internal crisis.
Abure didn’t spare Governor Alex Otti either. He accused him of not providing any financial support to the party during the last election, despite now speaking out.
“That governor who is jumping like a cricket, we didn’t collect a kobo from him,” Abure stated.
He recalled a conversation with Otti at the Transcorp Hotel, saying, “He asked me, ‘Chairman, what do I do for you?’ I told him clearly, ‘Nothing. Use your funds for your campaign.’”
Abure’s comments signal a deepening rift within the Labour Party, as tensions grow over how the party handled its resources and leadership during and after the 2023 elections.
