Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party (LP) candidate for the upcoming Edo State governorship election on September 21, 2024, has asserted that he will not be controlled by any political benefactor or godfather if elected.
The former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president emphasized that he is solely accountable to the people of the 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 on Thursday. “This is one reason why the people of Edo can trust a Labour Party government—because we are answerable to them.”
The election features key contenders, including Akpata, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Akpata highlighted that, unlike his opponents who are associated with current and former governors, he is independent of any political godfather.
Akpata also clarified that his campaign is not funded by Governor Godwin Obaseki, whose preferred candidate is the PDP’s Ighodalo. “Initially, they claimed I was an agent of Governor Obaseki, but we have debunked that. Now, they say I’m sponsored by the APC. These conspiracy theories are ridiculous,” he said. “I am self-funding my campaign, with support from friends who believe we can bring positive change to Edo.”
Criticizing Obaseki’s tenure, Akpata described it as underwhelming. “There is a vast difference between myself and Governor Obaseki—it’s like night and day. I cannot and will not be associated with his administration, which has been a failure,” he remarked. “I’ve been attacked, my billboards have been torn down. It’s clear I’m not his choice; I’m not even his last resort.”
Akpata argued that Edo State needs a fresh start, noting that for 25 years, the state has been governed by either the PDP or APC, and Obaseki has been aligned with both parties. “It’s been an abject failure. We need to try something different, and the Labour Party offers a people-centric, impact-driven approach,” he explained.
If elected, Akpata plans to prioritize electricity, agriculture, education, and healthcare, advocating for public-private partnerships to establish power plants across the state. He expressed confidence in his ability to win the election, despite his opponents being backed by Obaseki and former governor Adams Oshiomhole.