Edo Labour Party Candidate Olumide Akpata Promises Independence from Political Godfathers in 2024 Governorship Race
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party (LP) candidate for the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State, has assured voters that he will not be controlled by any political benefactor or godfather if elected. The former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president emphasized his commitment to being answerable only to the people of Edo State.
“I have no strings attached. I am not answerable to any godfather or political benefactor,” Akpata stated during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today program. “That is one reason Edo people can trust a Labour Party government—because we are truly answerable to the people.”
Akpata is one of the key contenders in the upcoming election, alongside Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He highlighted his independence by distancing himself from former and serving governors, contrasting his position with other candidates he claims are linked to political godfathers.
Addressing rumors about his campaign funding, Akpata denied receiving support from Governor Godwin Obaseki, asserting that his campaign is self-funded, with additional backing from friends who believe in his vision for Edo. He criticized the suggestion that he is an agent of Obaseki or linked to the APC, dismissing such claims as “stupid conspiracy theorizing.”
Akpata openly criticized Governor Obaseki’s administration, describing its performance over the past eight years as underwhelming and a failure. “There is a significant difference between myself and Governor Obaseki—it’s like night and day. I cannot and will not be associated with his government,” Akpata declared. He noted that his campaign has faced attacks, including the removal of his billboards, which he sees as evidence that he is not Obaseki’s favored candidate.
Highlighting the need for change, Akpata called for a “breath of fresh air” in Edo politics, arguing that after 25 years of governance by PDP and APC, it is time for a different approach. “The Labour Party offers a people-centric, people-focused, people-impacting approach,” he said. He stressed the importance of using government resources to benefit the greatest number of people.
If elected, Akpata plans to prioritize key sectors such as electricity, agriculture, education, and healthcare. He envisions public-private partnerships to establish power plants across the state. Despite his opponents being backed by influential figures like Governor Obaseki and former governor Adams Oshiomhole, Akpata remains optimistic about his chances of winning the governorship race.
