….LP Candidate reportedly receives support from Gbajabiamila, Tinubu’s Chief of Staff
By William Osayande
In the lead-up to Saturday’s Governorship Election in Edo State, findings suggest that Labour Party Candidate Olumide Akpata is a cousin of incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki, potentially raising issues of fairness and familial influence in the electoral process.
The Edo Elders Forum, in a statement released to the media on Tuesday in Benin City, argued that Olumide Akpata’s blood relation to Governor Godwin Obaseki as cousin and close relative compromises his eligibility to succeed him, defying the principles of natural justice and the broad-based call for power rotation to Edo Central Senatorial Zone.
The group observed that Olumide Akpata and Obaseki share a common origin in Oredo LGA, Edo South Senatorial district, which has held governance for 16 years since Lucky Igbinedion’s administration in 1999, thereby necessitating a power shift to other areas of the State.
“As Elders and men of good conscience, we owe the people a moral obligation to set and uphold the moral compass for the State especially in a manner that will uphold equity and justice as a tool for ensuring harmonious coexistence among the people of Edo State. A vote for Akpata is a vote against good conscience, equity and fairness in Edo State.” The group stated
They further maintained that there is need to balance competence with equity, fairness and Justice in the choice of who becomes next Governor of Edo State.
“It is against this background that we want to restate that power should shift to the Esan in Edo Central so that they too can have a sense of belonging. After all, Edo belongs to all of us” The statement
Another source who craved anonymity stated that Olumide Akpata is Obaseki’s Cousin and he knows that he stands no chance in the election because he can’t get votes across the State but he is being sponsored heavily to cause distraction in Benin City.
There are also allegations that Akpata is being sponsored by APC to divide votes in Edo South to pave way for an APC victory in Edo State amidst biting hardship and fuel price hikes.
“The money which Akpata is using to campaign is coming directly from the Office of Chief of Staff to President Tinubu, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila. APC knows they can’t win in Benin because of the hardship their policies have caused people so they’re using Akpata to divide votes for PDP and Ighodalo”
The group called on Edo people to be vigilant and not allow politicians to pull the wool over their eyes as the Governorship Elections draw closer.
