Olumide Akpata, who is running for governor in Edo State in 2024, stated that he will not be controlled by any political benefactor or godfather if he wins the election. He mentioned that he will only be accountable to the people of the state and will not have any outside influences. I don’t have to listen to any powerful person. I don’t have to listen to any political supporter. “That’s why Edo people can trust the Labour Party government because we listen to the people,” he said on Channels Television’s Politics Today show on Thursday. The upcoming governorship election in the state will have strong candidates like Akpata, Asue Ighodalo from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Monday Okpebholo from the All Progressives Congress (APC). Akpata mentioned that he is not controlled by any political godfather, unlike the other candidates who have ties to former or current governors. He also clarified that his campaign is not supported by Governor Godwin Obaseki, who is backing the PDP candidate Ighodalo.
At first, people thought I was working for Governor Obaseki, but we proved that wrong. Now, they’re saying I’m supported by the APC. I believe these are just silly conspiracy theories. “I am financing my own campaign and I have friends who support me and believe we can make a positive impact in Edo,” he explained. Akpata expressed disappointment in Obaseki’s performance over the past eight years, stating that he finds it lacking. He believes there is a stark difference between himself and Governor Obaseki. I will not work with his government. He has not performed well. I have been attacked and my billboards have been taken down. He stated that everyone is aware that he is not the preferred option, not even the last choice. He mentioned that Governor Obaseki has not done well and has been a complete disaster. Although there may be some small successes, overall he has failed. Akpata stated that the residents of Edo are in need of a change. He mentioned that voters should consider his team because they are offering a new perspective. Akpata pointed out that the PDP and APC have been in charge of Edo State for 25 years. Over the past eight years, a single man has been a member of both political parties.
“It’s a complete failure, so we need to try a different approach, and the Labour Party has a new way of looking at things: focusing on the people. “Every government needs to think about how their resources can help the most people. That’s what the Labour Party believes,” said the LP candidate. Akpata mentioned that if he wins, he will focus on improving electricity, agriculture, education, and healthcare. He plans to work with both private and public sectors to build power plants in different parts of the state. Akpata believes he can win the election, even though his opponents have support from Obaseki and former governor Adams Oshiomhole.
