Labour Party Candidate Akpata Dismisses Edo Election Outcome
Mr. Olumide Akpata
The recent governorship election in Edo State, held on September 21, 2024, has sparked significant controversy, particularly regarding allegations of vote-buying and the overall integrity of the electoral process. Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party (LP) candidate, has voiced strong criticisms of the election, asserting that it was marred by unethical practices predominantly perpetrated by the two leading political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a press conference following the election, Akpata expressed his disappointment, stating, “What transpired on 21 September 2024 was not an election but a transaction.”
He emphasized that the low turnout allowed these dominant parties to manipulate the voting process, resulting in a significant majority despite the limited number of participants. While he acknowledged that the election was largely free from traditional forms of malpractice, such as ballot box snatching, he highlighted serious concerns regarding voter intimidation and the falsification of results.
Akpata’s remarks shed light on a troubling trend within the electoral landscape, where vote-buying has become a pervasive issue. He noted that even some members of the Labour Party participated in these transactions, compromising their future for minimal gains. This reality underscores the urgent need for reform and a commitment to restoring integrity to Nigeria’s electoral processes.
A key point of Akpata’s address was the emergence of a “collegiate system of government” that includes political godfathers and surrogate governors, which he believes undermines true democratic governance.
He stated, “A troubling theme emerged as the day unfolded: a widespread vote-buying scheme by both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP),” referencing observations made by YIAGA Africa, a prominent civil society organization. According to Akpata, this trend has effectively disenfranchised the citizens of Edo State, reducing their electoral rights to mere commodities in a marketplace.
Regarding potential legal actions, Akpata confirmed that the election results have been submitted to legal experts for forensic analysis, indicating that the LP is considering its options moving forward. When questioned about his political future, particularly speculation surrounding a potential candidacy for the National Assembly in 2027, Akpata remained focused on service rather than position.
He stated, “I belong to a generation that is about service; we want to turn the story around, we want to change the narrative.”
His commitment to public service was further illustrated by his willingness to accept any role that contributes to the betterment of Nigeria. “If it is a local government they said I should run, I will,” he affirmed, emphasizing that his dedication lies in the collective effort to reorganize and improve the nation.
