Edo Guber: Labour Party’s Akpata Condemns PDP and APC for Vote Buying

Labour Party (LP) candidate in the Edo State governorship election, Olumide Akpata, has stated that he has no sympathy for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over their complaints following their defeat in the election.

Akpata made this declaration during a press conference held in Benin City on Monday, where he addressed the outcome of the election, in which he placed third with 22,763 votes.

In his statement, titled “Unbowed, Unbent, and Unbroken: Statement on the 2024 Edo State Gubernatorial Election Results,” Akpata criticised the PDP for lamenting their loss, accusing them of being complicit in the electoral malpractices they now decry.

He argued that both the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC) engaged in a “bidding war” for votes, fully aware of the conditions from the outset.

“The PDP now cries foul after being outmanoeuvred in this macabre game of thrones. They willingly participated in the bidding war with the APC, fully aware of the rules from the outset,” Akpata stated.

“Their lamentations ring hollow in the face of their own complicity in this democratic travesty.”

Akpata reserved his harshest criticism for both the APC and PDP, accusing them of destroying Edo State’s economy through their actions over the last 25 years.

He condemned their alleged involvement in vote buying, which he said had reduced the electoral process to “a commodity market and a bidding war for votes.”

“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 and the most extensive networks of influence,” Akpata continued.

He expressed disappointment in the APC and Governor-elect, claiming their actions had undermined democracy, betrayed the trust of the electorate, and eroded public confidence in democratic institutions.

Akpata likened the APC’s tactics to “riding on the back of a tiger,” warning that their “grab, snatch, and run” playbook would ultimately be their downfall.

The Labour Party candidate also decried the practice of vote buying, asserting that it was as damaging as ballot stuffing, as it effectively disenfranchised the electorate.

He accused some members of his own party of selling their votes to the same political entities that had impoverished them over the years.

“What transpired on 21 September 2024 was not an election but a transaction,” he stated.

Akpata noted that despite a lack of traditional election-day malpractice such as ballot box snatching and stuffing, the election was marred by voter intimidation, result falsification, and one of the lowest voter turnouts in recent years.

This low turnout, he argued, reflected the growing apathy among the populace, which contributed to the election’s outcome.

Akpata, however, commended those who braved the odds to vote and ensured their votes were counted, calling them “the true heroes of this election.”

As for his next steps, Akpata revealed that he would consult with members of the Labour Party before deciding whether to challenge the election results in court.

“The decision of the party will determine if I will approach the election petition tribunal,” he concluded.