Operatives of the Nigerian Police Force have apprehended the national chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Barrister Julius Abure.
The LP chairman was apprehended in Benin City, Edo State, on Wednesday.
The circumstances leading to his arrest are not clear at this time.
However, it is widely believed to be connected to the ongoing crisis rocking the party.
Abure came under heavy criticism after being accused of misappropriating Party’s funds totaling more than ₦3 billion.
How It Started
This crisis started some days ago, with a serious accusation from the National Treasurer of the party, Oluchi Oparah, (now suspended).
Oparah had challenged the LP chairman to account for the ₦3.5 billion raised from the sale of nomination forms and fundraising activities in the build-up to the 2023 general election.
Opara also claimed that Abure did not remit the donations received from Nigerians in the Diaspora during Obi’s campaign tour in the United States.
However, Abure denied all her allegations when he was featured on Arise News as a guest.
No Money Was Missing
Abure was armed with some documents and copies of cheques allegedly signed by the treasurer.
He lamented that the corruption allegations against him were orchestrated to dent his image.
Meanwhile, the 36 state chairmen of the Labour Party on Tuesday dismissed the corruption allegation levelled against Julius Abure.
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The chairmen said: “No money was missing”.
The council of state chairmen also backed the call by the LP presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for an independent firm to carry out a forensic audit of the party account.
To them, they are convinced the audit will clear Abure.
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Labour Party national chairman Julius Abure has been arrested by the Nigerian Police today in Benin, Edo state.
— Nwa ❤️ (@Nwaadaz) February 21, 2024
