Chieftains of the Labour Party (LP) in Kaduna State, including candidates and aspirants from the 2023 general elections, met over the weekend to demand transparency regarding the campaign funds. Led by Acting Chairman Alhaji Isa Ciroma, Acting Secretary Sani Musa Sahabi, and Senatorial Candidates Engineer Mike Auta and Alhaji Sidi Bamali, the group called for state and national leaders to account for the campaign finances.
After the meeting, Bamali, along with other party chieftains, commended presidential candidate Peter Obi for providing an account of the campaign funds he managed. However, they criticized Obi for not holding post-election meetings with party stakeholders and neglecting to meet with party members during his visits to Kaduna.
Bamali emphasized the need for transparency and leadership, stating, "There is a whole lot to be said. It's not only to propagate the party’s agenda but to also address our grievances towards the leadership of the party both at the state and national levels and offer solutions to these challenges."
The stakeholders expressed disappointment in the lack of leadership within the state’s LP, despite the presence of influential figures like Vice Presidential candidate Datti Baba Ahmed. They accused these leaders of focusing on personal ambitions rather than the party's wellbeing.
Highlighting the importance of unity and transparency, Bamali noted, "Funds for the campaign were misappropriated by a few individuals who have yet to account for their expenditures. Is this a sign of true leadership that defines transparency and accountability?"
The meeting concluded with a call for stronger leadership and accountability from the party's top brass to address the concerns of its members and supporters.
