The fundraising ensemble of the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Organization has disclosed that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential contender, expended a substantial sum of N744,500,000 on legal battles subsequent to his defeat in the 2023 presidential race. Aisha Yesufu, the chairwoman of the fundraising unit, unveiled this information during a media briefing convened in Abuja.
Yesufu underscored the significance of transparency and accountability in electoral disbursements. She elucidated that the party amassed donations amounting to N596 million from party adherents, comprising contributions from the Obidient movements and Nigerians worldwide. Moreover, N800 million was contributed by the candidate, Peter Obi, and other benevolent benefactors.
The fundraising unit strategically disbursed funds to bolster over 100 factions spanning all 36 states in Nigeria, aiming to galvanize enthusiasm and backing for Peter Obi and Datti Ahmed. They orchestrated media-driven campaigns that reached an excess of 11 million individuals, harnessing the outreach of radio stations, grassroots initiatives, and digital platforms.
In contradiction to circulating reports, Yesufu clarified that agents at polling units were mobilized with N324 million. She expressed remorse over financial constraints that impeded the optimal utilization of television advertisements for the campaign. Campaign paraphernalia valued at N258,374,330 were procured and disseminated across the 36 states and Abuja, with additional expenditures incurred for media dissemination, including radio broadcasts, totaling N16,432,867.
A notable portion of the funds, totaling N744,500,000, was earmarked to defray legal expenses accrued during the aftermath of the election litigation process. Yesufu extended appreciation to all those who contributed monetarily and through acts of benevolence to the campaign.
In the presidential election held on February 25, 2023, Peter Obi amassed 6,101,533 votes, clinching the third position behind Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress. Despite rebuffing the election outcomes announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, Obi initiated a legal struggle, contesting the poll outcomes up to the apex court. The Supreme Court eventually validated Tinubu’s triumph on October 26, 2023, following 171 days of legal wrangling.
