The Labour Party (LP) has denied any knowledge of the alleged N50 million bribe said to have been paid to opposition party leaders by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government, and has criticized former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar over his comments on the matter.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, expressed surprise at Atiku’s remarks, calling them unfounded and reckless.
Atiku had previously accused the ruling APC of offering opposition leaders N50 million each in an attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democracy, a claim made at a national conference on strengthening democracy.
Ifoh questioned Atiku’s credibility, stating that it was inappropriate for such a prominent political figure to make allegations without presenting concrete proof.
He also emphasized that the LP’s leadership has never received financial support from any external sources, whether individuals, groups, or governments outside of the party’s membership.
“For us in the LP, we view that statement as demeaning, ignominious, reckless, and a letdown from someone like Atiku Abubakar,” Ifoh said.
He further clarified that the Labour Party runs a financially responsible administration funded internally, without relying on any external assistance, including from elected representatives.
Ifoh criticized Atiku for making such serious allegations without evidence, urging him to be more cautious in making sweeping statements about the opposition.
He also noted that the LP’s leadership has not received any external salaries, with the salaries of public servants being verifiable in the public domain.
Ifoh reiterated that opposition is vital for any thriving democracy, as it helps to keep the government in check and ensures broad democratic participation.
He called on Atiku to provide solid proof to back his accusations, warning that without such evidence, Nigerians might view his claims as politically motivated.
“We urge Atiku to provide evidence for his allegations; otherwise, Nigerians will regard his statements with skepticism,” Ifoh stated.
