The Labour Party (LP) has rejected claims that its leadership accepted a N50m bribe allegedly offered by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government to opposition party leaders.
The party also denied ever receiving any funds from individuals, groups, or organizations outside of its own members.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, expressed the party’s “shock and disbelief” over the accusations made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Ifoh called on Atiku to provide concrete evidence of the alleged bribe, rather than relying on anonymous sources.
At a national conference on strengthening democracy held in Abuja, Atiku accused the APC of offering N50 million to opposition leaders in an attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democracy.
The LP found these allegations “shocking,” particularly coming from a high-profile politician like Atiku, who has been an active figure in Nigerian politics for decades.
“For us in the Labour Party, a party that has remained the strongest and most consistent opposition, this statement is reckless and unfounded,” Ifoh said. “Atiku’s remarks are demeaning and a letdown, especially from someone of his stature.”
The LP emphasized that it operates on funds generated internally and has not received any external financial support. The party’s leadership, Ifoh stated, has not received any salaries from outside sources, and public records can confirm who is on the government payroll.
Ifoh further advised Atiku to refrain from making sweeping allegations without backing them up with evidence, urging him to focus on his own party’s affairs.
“Opposition is the lifeblood of democracy, ensuring checks and balances on the government,” Ifoh continued.
“Democracy without opposition leads to autocracy. It is disheartening when leaders who should support democratic values instead attempt to undermine the opposition.”
The LP concluded by calling on Atiku Abubakar to present tangible proof of his allegations. Without such evidence, the party warned that Nigerians would regard his claims as politically motivated and unsubstantiated.
