The Labour Party (LP) has rejected claims made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that its leadership accepted a ₦50 million bribe from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement from National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh, the LP asserted that it was unaware of any bribe transactions involving opposition leaders and had not accepted funds from outside individuals, groups, or governments besides its own members.
The party expressed its astonishment at Atiku’s remarks, which he made during a national conference focused on bolstering democracy in Abuja.
Atiku accused the APC administration of attempting to compromise opposition leaders by offering them ₦50 million each to weaken democratic processes.
“We are surprised that a prominent politician like Atiku Abubakar, who has a long history in elections, would make such a reckless and unfounded statement without evidence,” the LP stated.
“If he possesses solid proof, he should share it rather than relying on unsubstantiated claims from unnamed sources.”
The Labour Party reaffirmed its dedication to transparency and integrity, highlighting its fiscally responsible governance fueled by internally generated funds without external financial assistance, even from its own elected officials.
Reiterating its position as Nigeria’s leading opposition party, the LP noted its unwavering commitment to contesting the ruling government and its prominent role in the 2023 general election campaigns.
“Our leadership has never been on any payroll. Salaries and government payments are public information that can be confirmed. Atiku should focus on his own party rather than making unfounded accusations that belittle the contributions of the opposition,” the LP added.
The party also highlighted the necessity of a robust opposition in a democracy, cautioning that efforts to discredit opposition parties could weaken democratic institutions.
The Labour Party challenged Atiku to present concrete evidence to substantiate his claims, warning that if he fails to do so, his statements may be perceived as politically motivated and lacking in credibility.
“If Atiku cannot provide proof, Nigerians may view his comments skeptically. He should avoid making sweeping allegations that undermine the essential role of the opposition in democracy,” the party concluded.
