A former National Treasurer of the Labour Party, Oluchi Oparah, has dismissed allegations that former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, tampered with party funds during his campaign.

Oparah, who appeared on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, described the claims as false and baseless, stating that Obi personally financed his campaign and even donated to the party’s financial survival.

Reacting to an allegation made by Labour Party chieftain, Abayomi Arabambi, that Obi used party funds to run his campaign, Oparah said: “There was nothing of such. Mr Obi never spent any money meant for the party.”

She went on to praise Obi’s role in stabilising the Labour Party’s finances, revealing that the party was in dire financial straits before he joined.

“In fact, he lifted the party from zero level to where it is today,” she added.

Oparah noted that before Obi’s entry, the party could not even pay staff salaries.

The former treasurer stated that Obi met all financial expectations and gave to the party from his personal resources without requesting anything in return.

“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 would do,” she said.

She also pointed out that it was standard practice for candidates to operate separate campaign accounts independent of the party’s central accounts.

Oparah maintained that many party programmes during the electioneering period were financed solely by Obi.

“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.

Let Accusers Present Evidence – Oparah

Challenging Obi’s accusers to provide proof, Oparah asked them to show bank details of any alleged payments made to the Labour Party’s account.

“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 stated.

She stressed that Obi was the only aspirant who showed genuine interest in the party and cautioned Nigerians to focus on the failings of the ruling APC rather than attacking a man who has consistently shown accountability.

Defending Obi’s philanthropic record, Oparah said his generosity predates his political career.

“Anyone that knows Mr Obi very well knows that his act of charity is five and six, like the air he breathes,” she concluded, urging the public to judge Obi based on his values, not political mudslinging.