Peter Obi, the Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate and current Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential aspirant, has challenged critics to prove he misused party funds, vowing to stop his 2027 campaign if anyone can show he took even 1% of the party's donations. Speaking during an interview with Nevon Media host Oseni Rufai on Tuesday, June 17, 2026, Obi dismissed allegations that he and activist Aisha Yesufu withdrew ₦10 billion or $30 million from Labour Party accounts. He questioned the existence of such an account, stating, "Where is the account?" and described the accusations as baseless. Obi maintained he had not benefited financially from the party's 2023 campaign funds and accused unnamed individuals of spreading falsehoods. He announced plans to publish a list of his accusers and invited them to present verifiable evidence of financial misconduct. "I don't go by people talking nonsense and listen to them," Obi said. He reiterated his challenge: "If anyone can prove that I took 1% of Labour Party's donations, I will stop campaigning." The remarks were made in the context of ongoing scrutiny of the Labour Party's financial management during the 2023 election cycle. Obi, who ran as the Labour Party candidate in that election, remains a prominent figure in Nigeria's opposition politics. His 2027 campaign plans are now tied directly to the outcome of this public challenge.
Obi's pledge to halt his 2027 campaign if proven to have taken 1% of Labour Party donations rests on a claim no accuser has yet substantiated. The absence of verified financial records or court rulings on the matter places the burden of proof in a political rather than legal domain. His public challenge shifts scrutiny back onto critics, but does not address calls for independent audit of party accounts. Without third-party verification, the dispute remains a war of words.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
