N50M Bribe Allegation: LP Claps Back at Atiku, Denies APC Affiliation

The Labour Party (LP) has responded to Atiku Abubakar’s N50 million bribe allegation, dismissing claims of being on the APC’s payroll and reaffirming its political independence.

The Labour Party has rejected claims put forth by Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who alleged that leaders from opposition parties are being paid by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Atiku alleged that the APC was offering N50 million to leaders of various opposition parties to hinder their ability to effectively hold the ruling party accountable.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, January 29, Obiora Ifoh, the spokesperson for the Labour Party, unequivocally refuted the allegation and stated that the party’s leadership was not aware of any such bribe.

He stated, “The party is shocked and disbelieving over the revelation made by Atiku Abubakar, a prominent political figure and former Vice President of Nigeria. They assert that it would be inappropriate for him to criticize the entire opposition without providing concrete evidence beyond mere ‘gossip’ from an unnamed source.”

He mentioned that the Labour Party’s leadership is astonished by a high-ranking politician making such an outrageous claim.

Ifoh characterized the Labour Party as the most formidable and reliable opposition, noting that it consistently speaks truth to power.

“The leaders have not received any salary from anyone. Salaries are transparent and easily verifiable in terms of who is on the government payroll, as this information is part of a public document. We advise Atiku to be cautious when making broad allegations and encourage him to address issues concerning himself and his party,” he stated.

Ifoh emphasized that opposition is the lifeblood of every country’s democracy and urged Atiku to present solid evidence to support his claims.