By William Osayande
Ahead of Saturday’s Governorship Election, it has been established that Labour Party Candidate, Olumide Akpata is outgoing Governor Obaseki’s cousin and therefore it would be unfair for him to replace the latter as Governor after his Eight years in office.
In a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Benin City, a group known as Edo Elders Forum stated that LP candidate Olumide Akpata is a cousin and close relative to Gov. Obaseki and his desperation to succeed him as Governor goes against every principle of natural justice and general clamour for power shift to Edo Central Senatorial Zone
The group noted that the duo of Olumide Akpata and Obaseki hail from same Oredo LGA in Edo South Senatorial district, a zone which has governed the State for 16 years dating back to the Lucky Igbinedion’s administration in 1999 hence there is need for power shift to other parts 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.
