Arabambi made the claim while recounting events surrounding Peter Obi’s emergence as the Labour Party’s presidential candidate. He said another aspirant had agreed to withdraw from the race after discussions with party leaders.
According to Arabambi, the aspirant had already paid the required nomination fee and spent money preparing for the primary election before deciding to step down in support of Peter Obi’s candidacy.
“Peter Obi Promised to Refund ₦35 Million to the Aspirant Who Stepped Down but Never Did,” Arabambi said while explaining the circumstances that led to Peter Obi’s emergence as the party’s flag bearer.
He alleged that Peter Obi personally assured the party leadership that the aspirant would be reimbursed for the money spent on obtaining the nomination form. Arabambi claimed that the promise was never fulfilled.
The Labour Party chieftain argued that the agreement was reached to ensure a peaceful and united presidential primary. He maintained that the party leadership acted in what it believed was the best interest of the party at the time.
Arabambi further claimed that the failure to honour the alleged commitment disappointed some party members who had supported the arrangement that allowed Peter Obi to emerge as the consensus candidate.
He said the incident remained one of the issues that contributed to disagreements within the Labour Party after the 2023 presidential election. According to him, some members believed commitments made during the nomination process should have been respected.
Arabambi maintained that his account was based on his involvement in the events leading to the party’s primary election. He said those present at the discussions were aware of the understanding reached.
