Nigeria party leader denies fraud

Abuja, 11 May-(ANA)-The chairman of Nigeria's governing People's Democratic Party (PDP) Vincent Ogbulafor has appeared in court on corruption charges.

Mr Ogbulafor is accused of fraudulently awarding $1.5m (£1m) in federal funds when he was a government minister under ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.

He denies the charges and was granted bail by the court.

Mr Ogbulafor's problems are seen as part of the PDP leadership struggle prior to the 2011 presidential polls.

Mr Ogbulafor might have to resign if found guilty.(ANA)

FA/ANA/11 May 2010-----------