Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party (LP) candidate in the recent Edo State governorship election, stated on Monday, September 23, that he has no sympathy for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for complaining after their loss.
Speaking at a press conference in Benin City, Akpata, who finished third with 22,763 votes, read a statement titled “Unbowed, unbent and unbroken: Statement on the 2024 Edo State gubernatorial election results.”
He accused the ruling party of crying foul after being outmaneuvered in the political struggle. “The PDP, who now cry foul after being outmaneuvered in this macabre game of thrones, willingly participated in the bidding war with the APC, fully aware of the rules from the outset,” he said.
Akpata condemned both the APC and PDP for engaging in vote-buying, claiming their actions have harmed the state’s economy over the past 25 years and created an environment for corruption. “This election has laid bare the stark reality that our political landscape is dominated not by ideologies or the people’s will, but by those with the deepest pockets,” he remarked.
He further criticized the governor-elect and the APC for undermining the democratic process and betraying public trust. “Their ‘grab, snatch, and run’ playbook will ultimately be the source of their undoing,” he warned.
Akpata pointed out that the election had become more of a transaction than a genuine democratic process, facilitated by those who stayed away or sold their votes. While noting that the election was largely free from historical malpractice like ballot stuffing, he acknowledged issues such as voter intimidation and result falsification.
He praised those who voted and ensured their votes were counted, calling them the true heroes of the election. Akpata concluded by stating that he would consult with Labour Party members to decide whether to approach the election petition tribunal.
