Faduni Was Never LP Presidential Candidate – Former LP Treasurer

The former National Treasurer of the Labour Party, Oluchi Oparah has refuted the misleading claims by Mr. Faduri Joseph that he was edged out as the presidential aspirant in the 2023 election to favor Mr. Peter Obi, as the Party’s presidential candidate.

A statement signed by her in Abuja explains that Mr. Joseph did not purchase the nomination form required to contest the party’s primaries.

According to the statement, purchasing a nomination form is a verifiable and mandatory step for any aspirant seeking to participate in the Labour Party’s primary election.

It urges Mr. Joseph to provide concrete proof of such payment, especially the bank transactions showing payment into Labour Party’s account.

“I wish to categorically state that Mr. Faduri Joseph was never a presidential aspirant of the Labour Party. To the best of my knowledge, as the National Treasurer of the Labour Party at that time, Mr. Joseph did not purchase the nomination form required to contest the party’s primaries, “.

Mr. Joseph has alleged that the ongoing crisis within the Labour Party is “poetic justice” for what he describes as a betrayal he suffered in 2022, claiming he was manipulated and edged out to favor Mr. Peter Gregory Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate.

“In the absence of such evidence, I urge him to retract his claims and forever remain silent on this matter”

The statement strongly condemns the growing trend of individuals exploiting the name of Mr. Peter Obi, a respected figure and the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, to revive their faltering political careers.

“Such actions not only undermines the integrity of our political process but also erode public trust in genuine leadership. The Labour Party, like other political party in Nigeria, is navigating its challenges, and no one should use Mr. Obi’s name or the party’s internal issues as a platform for personal aggrandizement” the Former National Treasurer stresses.

It urges the media, party members, and the general public to disregard Mr. Joseph’s claims and focus on fostering a political environment grounded in truth, accountability, and integrity.

“The Labour Party remains committed to its ideals, and we will not allow falsehoods to distract us from our mission to serve the Nigerian people.

According to the statement, the Former National Treasurer calls on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as the regulatory body overseeing elections and political parties, to step in and address the complexities surrounding the party’s leadership and operations.

“This intervention is critical especially in the aftermath of the supreme court’s judgment that removed Abure as the National Chairman of Labour Party to restore order and ensure transparency.

“It is worth noting that the Supreme Court, on April 4, 2025, sacked the former Labour Party chairman, Julius Abure, further highlighting the need for urgent resolution,”

By Georgina Humphrey