Scandal hits PDP as six NWC members refund alleged bribe of N177.6m to party
The Deputy National Chairman, South of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja and five other members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) have refunded N177.6 million to the party.
The money, which was allegedly shared to the party leaders range from N28 million to N36 million each.
The refund was precipitated following a report by the Nation newspaper, which reported the sleez.
The money was part of N15 billion nomination fees paid by aspirants for various offices in 2023.
Others who refunded the money along with Arapaja include Chief Dan Osi Orbih, National Vice Chairman South-South, Dr. Alli Odefa, National Vice Chairman South-West, Hon Olasoji Adagunobi-Oluwatukesi, National Vice Chairman South-West, Hon Setonji Koshoedo, Deputy National Secretary and Prof. Stella Effah-Attoe. National Woman Leader.
Arapaja, it was learnt refunded N36 million to the party’s coffers.
Arapaja, in a letter dated Thursday, 29 September, 2022 to the National Chairman of the party, Iyorchia Ayu, stated that when the Nation’s report came out, he browsed through his various alerts and found a mysterious N36 million credit alert from the party.
“I have reservation about this money transferred into my account and for personal reason wish to return it accordingly,” Arapaja wrote in the letter he personally signed.
The money was transferred electronically back to the party’s account via Arapaja’s UBA account.
Copy of the letter was sent to the party’s National Treasurer.
