LP Speaks On Diaspora Funding For Peter Obi

The Labour Occasion (LP) has refuted allegations that its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, was searching for monetary help for his marketing campaign from Nigerians within the Diaspora.

Recall {that a} group underneath the aegis of Tinubu-Shettima Join had referred to as for the disqualification of Obi from the 2023 presidential race for allegedly violating the Electoral Act on marketing campaign funding.

The group had claimed that such funding was not solely legal however unlawful utilizing part 85 of the Electoral Act as the idea of their declare.

This got here within the wake of a pledge by the social gathering’s diaspora help teams to crowd-fund $150million for Obi, and one other N100billion to be sourced from supporters in Nigeria.

Talking with The PUNCH on Friday, LP spokesman, Abayomi Arabambi, denied claims that Obi sought monetary help for his marketing campaign from Nigerians within the diaspora throughout his current tour of America and Europe.

Arabambi acknowledged that the previous Governor of Anambra State solely travelled overseas to interact Nigerians and encourage them to spend money on the nation.

He stated, “First, I need to debunk the allegation from the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Occasion that Obi went overseas soliciting funds. Now we have by no means solicited any funds from overseas. Slightly, he was advertising and marketing Nigeria to these within the diaspora.

“Peter Obi went overseas to tell Nigerians that there shall be a brand new Nigeria and they need to include International Direct Investments and never solely remittances they ship to their members of the family again house. He additionally advised them he would construct native industries and that Nigeria can be a producing nation somewhat than a consuming nation, which the APC and PDP have diminished Nigeria to since 1999.”

Talking additional, Arabambi stated Obi supporters have taken it upon themselves to cater for the marketing campaign funds by contributing N100 per particular person to lift funds for its varied rallies throughout the nation.

The LP spokesman identified that the funding technique has developed organically, including that in some cases, well-meaning Nigerians help with refreshments

Arabambi, nevertheless, disclosed that the social gathering wouldn’t exceed the bounds set by the Electoral Act.

He stated: “For our marketing campaign, the funding technique has even developed organically. Let me provide you with an instance, our Obidient Motion in Nigeria contributed N100. That has been the supply of funding for all our Obidient ‘a million march’ rallies throughout the nation. In the course of the rally, some meals sellers give meals and bottles of water or drinks and persons are supporting us, which exhibits they’ve confidence in Peter Obi.”