Edo State Labour Party Governorship Candidate Olumide Akpata Denies Allegations of Sponsorship by Governor Obaseki

From Moshood Karim

The Labour Party’s governorship candidate in Edo State, Olumide Akpata, has firmly denied rumours that he is being sponsored by the incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki. 

Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s 'Politics Today' on Thursday, Akpata dismissed the speculation as baseless, asserting that he is running an independent campaign ahead of the September 21 election.

Akpata, who is the immediate past president of the Nigerian Bar Association, clarified that despite sharing the same ethnic background with Governor Obaseki, he could not be seen as a continuation of the current administration, which he claims has been widely criticized by Edo State residents for its poor performance.

When asked about the source of his campaign funding, Akpata was candid, stating, "Who is funding me? I don’t want to appear to be ducking any questions. I am funding myself, and I have friends. You know the popular saying that your net worth is your network. I have friends who believe in me and in this cause. I have people from Edo State who believe we can do much better."

He went on to express confidence in his campaign, highlighting the support he has received from various quarters. 

"Nobody will come up to you if you have nothing to offer. With them working with me, we have been able to get the kind of funding that we require. Which general goes to war without first counting the costs? So we have taken into consideration all that is required for this race, and I assure you, we are going to win," Akpata declared.

In addressing further speculation that he may be an agent of either Governor Obaseki or the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Akpata pointed to his recent experiences, including the vandalization of his campaign materials, as evidence of his independence from the current administration.

"There is a gulf between myself and Governor Obaseki. It is like night and day. I cannot be associated with a government whose performance has been underwhelming," Akpata asserted. "You know I have been attacked, and my billboards pulled down. Everybody knows that I am not his choice. I am not even his Plan Z."

As the election date draws nearer, Akpata’s rebuttal seeks to dispel any lingering doubts about his autonomy and to bolster his image as a candidate with a distinct vision for Edo State. The outcome of the race remains to be seen as Akpata and his supporters continue to push back against the allegations.