A Factional National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party (LP), Abayomi Arabambi, has voiced strong criticism against a purported alliance between the Obidients, Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti.
Arabambi’s critique centres on allegations of marginalisation and financial mismanagement within the party, implicating key figures such as Julius Abure, the LP National Chairman.
Arabambi’s condemnation of the alliance stems from what he perceives as preferential treatment towards individuals aligned with the Obidients, suggesting that those outside their faction and ethnic group face marginalisation within the party’s ranks.
Specifically, he expresses surprise at Governor Alex Otti’s support for Julius Abure despite allegations of misappropriation of party funds against him.
The Factional LP Spokesperson, speaking in an interview with Arise TV’s News Day programme, highlights a series of concerns regarding the handling of party finances, pointing to a pattern of negligence and malfeasance.
He alleged that these concerns reportedly came to a head when Oluchi Opara, the LP’s National Treasurer, exposed issues related to the misuse of party funds.
Arabambi asserts that it was only after Opara’s revelation that Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, took action by demanding a statement of accounts from Abure.
Arabambi’s criticism extends beyond financial matters to include broader allegations of ethnic bias within the LP leadership. He claims that the party’s leadership consistently favours individuals from certain ethnic groups while marginalising those from other backgrounds.
Arabambi said, “Right from day one, we told Nigerians that we have a leadership that has a biassed mind against some ethnic region in the Labour Party.
“Ever since we have been talking about this misuse of party funds, it was when Oluchi Opara blew the whistle that you saw our presidential candidates coming out to say, Oh, Abure, go and give them a statement of account.
“It’s not today that we have been saying it. The Obidient with Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti, if you are not one of their own, you are on your own.
“Even in this matter, they were the ones sponsoring it against us. I’m even shocked that Governor Alex Otti will be lying his weight behind Abure despite all this. All of them were aware of what happened and all our money that was stolen.”
