Labour Party (LP) candidate in the Edo governorship election, Olumide Akpata, expressed deep concern over the widespread vote-buying and voter apathy during the election, stating that the process appeared to favor the highest bidder.
In a statement released on Monday, shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Monday Okpebholo as the winner, Akpata criticized the conduct of the election. He cited YIAGA Africa, a prominent civil society and observer group, which characterized the electoral process as a “commodities market,” where votes were essentially auctioned.
Akpata, who finished third behind the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Asue Ighodalo, said the widespread vote-buying and low voter turnout “disenfranchised the people of Edo State.”
“Although the election was largely free from traditional forms of malpractice like ballot box snatching and stuffing, it was nonetheless tainted by voter intimidation and result falsification,” Akpata remarked.
He also pointed out the low voter turnout, one of the lowest in recent elections, attributing it to the growing apathy among the electorate. “This disengagement allowed for the unfortunate outcome we are now witnessing,” he added.
Akpata accused both the PDP and APC of engaging in vote-buying, likening the election to a “transaction” rather than a legitimate democratic process.
“Let’s be clear: what occurred on September 21, 2024, was not an election but a transaction,” he said. “This was made possible by those who chose to abstain, thereby enabling the two major parties to secure the majority of the few available votes, and by those who sold their votes.”
He expressed gratitude to his supporters for their commitment and reaffirmed his dedication to the fight for good governance.
“The road to true democracy is long and difficult, but it is a journey we must take together. Our struggle for transparency, accountability, and good governance continues,” Akpata said, urging the public to stay engaged and committed to these ideals.