After losing the 2023 Presidential election, the fundraising team of the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Organisation has revealed that Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, spent a significant sum of ₦744,500,000 on legal proceedings.
Chairman of the fundraising team, Aisha Yesufu, made this announcement during a press briefing held in Abuja on Thursday, February 15, 2024. Yesufu detailed the campaign’s strategic approach, which included providing support to over 100 groups nationwide, conducting media campaigns reaching over 11 million people through radio broadcasts, community engagement activities, and leveraging social media platforms.
Contrary to some reports, Yesufu clarified that polling unit agents were adequately compensated, with ₦324 million allocated for their mobilization. However, due to financial constraints, the campaign faced limitations in using television advertisements. Instead, significant amounts were allocated towards acquiring campaign materials (₦258,374,330), covering media expenses such as radio broadcasts (₦16,432,867), and facilitating election promotion (₦10,808,948).
The sum of ₦744,500,000 was specifically designated to cover legal expenses incurred during the legal challenge to the election results.
“For the election promotion expenses, we had ₦10,808,948, and we utilized ₦744,500,000 to cover legal expenses. We appreciate everyone who contributed in cash and kind,” she stated.
Obi, who garnered 6,101,533 votes to secure third place in the February 25, 2023 presidential election won by Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress, contested the election results as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
