N50m bribe: Labour Party distances self, tackles Atiku

• Labour Party rejects claims of receiving a N50 million bribe from APC, asserting that it operates solely on internally generated funds
• LP’s National Publicity Secretary criticizes Atiku Abubakar for making baseless allegations without evidence, calling his statements reckless and disappointing

The Labour Party (LP) has denied any knowledge of a bribe allegedly paid to opposition party leaders by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government.

The party stated that its leadership never received money from non-members, including individuals, groups, organizations, or governments.

LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, expressed shock at the claim made by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar. He criticized Atiku for making allegations without presenting concrete evidence beyond a supposed ‘gossip’ from an unnamed source.

At a recent national conference on strengthening democracy in Abuja, Atiku accused the APC of offering N50 million to opposition party leaders to undermine democracy in Nigeria.

“We are shocked that a seasoned politician like Atiku Abubakar, who has contested multiple elections, would make such an unguarded and baseless statement,” Ifoh said.

“For us in the LP, we consider his claim reckless, demeaning, and disappointing. The Labour Party has operated with internally generated funds and has not received any financial support from our elected representatives. Despite challenges, the party’s leadership remains strong and committed to its ideals.”

Ifoh emphasized that the party has never received salaries from any government entity, noting that salary records are public documents and can be verified. He urged Atiku to be more careful with his allegations and avoid generalizing accusations.

“The opposition plays a crucial role in democracy by holding the government accountable and ensuring inclusivity. Without opposition, democracy becomes an autocracy, and sustaining opposition requires sacrifices,” he said.

“It is frustrating and unpatriotic when political leaders undermine the opposition’s role. We call on Atiku Abubakar to provide concrete evidence to support his claims. Otherwise, Nigerians will view his statements as politically motivated and unreliable.”