The Labour Party (LP) has strongly denied allegations made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of offering bribes to opposition party leaders. Atiku, during a national conference on strengthening democracy in Abuja on Monday, claimed that the APC offered N50 million each to certain individuals to incite unrest in opposition ranks.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, refuted the accusations, stressing that the party’s leadership has never received any financial support from individuals or groups outside of the Labour Party. Ifoh called the allegations unfounded, questioning Atiku’s credibility for making such a sweeping claim without offering any tangible evidence.
“We are shocked that a high-caliber politician like Atiku Abubakar, who has spent his career contesting elections, would make such a reckless and unfounded statement,” the statement read. “For the Labour Party, which has been a consistent and steadfast voice of opposition, this claim is demeaning and a letdown.”
The LP also emphasized its commitment to operating on funds it has generated internally and dismissed the idea that it receives financial backing from non-party sources. “We have run a frugal administration, and salaries are not hidden; they are public documents that anyone can verify,” the party said.
Further defending the importance of a strong opposition in a democratic system, the Labour Party criticized Atiku’s remarks, arguing that such statements undermine the sacrifices made by opposition leaders. “The opposition is the oxygen of any virile democracy,” Ifoh added, “and it is frustrating when those who should know better belittle those who contribute to the democratic process.”
The party called on Atiku to provide concrete evidence to substantiate his allegations, warning that without proof, Nigerians would view his statements as politically motivated. “We urge Atiku to be more circumspect and careful in making such serious allegations,” the statement concluded.
