The fundraising team for the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Organisation has disclosed that Peter Obi spent N744,500,000 to challenge the result of the 2023 presidential election in court.
The chairperson of the fundraising team, Aisha Yesufu, stated this at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday.
She said the Labour Party received donations totaling N596 million from individuals, party supporters, and the Obidient movement.
Yesufu emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency, stating: "We raised N595,976,994 in donations through four financial institutions, including Zenith Bank and Heritage Bank. We also received N800 million from the candidate (Obi)."
"Despite some contributions arriving just one week before the election, many people and vendors supported the campaign without seeking payment," she continued.
The campaign strategy focused on harnessing support for Peter Obi and Datti Ahmed by providing direct and indirect assistance to over 100 groups across all 36 states in Nigeria.
Media campaigns reached over 11 million people, utilizing over 40 radio stations, community outreach, and social media platforms, Yesufu said.
Responding to reports that Obi did not pay his polling unit agents, Yesufu clarified that they were mobilized with N324 million.
She lamented financial constraints, stating that television adverts could not be properly utilized for the campaign.
A total of N258,374,330 was spent on procuring and distributing campaign materials across the 36 states and Abuja.
Media expenses, including radio broadcasts, amounted to N16,432,867.
"In addition to election promotion expenses of N10,808,948, N744,500,000 was allocated to cover legal fees," Yesufu disclosed.
Obi got 6,101,533 votes to come third in the February 25, 2023 presidential election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress the winner after days of vote counting.
Obi and the LP rejected the election results and headed for the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal (PEPT).
The PEPT upheld INEC's result declaration, causing Obi and the LP to appeal the verdict at the Supreme Court.
The court also upheld the ruling of the tribunal.
