Six members of the National Working Committee of the major opposition, party, the Peoples DemoCratic Party (PDP) has returned to the coffers of the party various sums of money allegedly paid into their private accounts without their consent.
It was alleged that the monies ranging from N36 million to N28.8 million was paid to them at the instance of the national party chairman, Sen. Iyorchia Ayu.
Sources told Fedredsnews that the money was said to be part of the N10 billion proceeds realised by the party during sales of nomination forms to aspirants during primaries.
Separate letters purportedly written by four NWC members addressed to the party, indicated rejection and refund of money secretly sent to their bank accounts by the party which they considered as bribe and we’re paid to them without their knowledge.
The NWC members who returned the money are the National Vice Chairman (South-West) Olasoji Adagunodo, the Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja; National Vice Chairman (South), Chief Dan Orbih and National Women Leader, Prof. Stella Affah-Attoe.
According to the letters sighted, Arapaja was offered N36 million while Affah-Attoe, Adagunodo and Orbih were offered N28.8 million each.
In a letter addressed to the PDP national chairman, Arapaja notified Ayu of a transfer of N36 million back to the PDP account.
“I observed a malicious story reported in the Nations Newspaper of 26th September 2022; where it was alleged that members of the National Working Committee were offered humongous amount of money to silent us over an allegation of financial misappropriation to the tune of Fifteen Billion Nara (N15,000,000,000.00).
“This led me to browse through my various alerts, and I discovered a transfer of Thirty-Six Million Naira (N36,000,000.00) from the Party.
“I have my reservation about this money transferred into my account and for personal reasons wish to return it accordingly,” Arapaja wrote.
Some reports alleged that bribery allegations might not be unconnected with the raging crisis that has created two camps on one side the national chairman, Ayu who insists on retaining the position, and on the other side, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike who has been agitating for the exit of Ayu.
