The Labour Party (LP) has attributed its disappointing performance in the recent Edo State gubernatorial election to the actions of its candidate, Barr. Olumide Akpata, and former presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The party’s leadership, under Julius Abure, expressed these sentiments following the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
In a statement released by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, the LP congratulated INEC for conducting what they described as one of the “fairest, freest, and most peaceful elections” in the country. Arabambi stated, “Those who accused INEC of partiality are part of Nigerians who fail to learn from history.”
The Labour Party’s criticisms were particularly directed at Obi and Alex Otti, whom they accused of undermining the party’s cohesion. Arabambi emphasized that their “brash and abrasive approach” contributed significantly to the party’s electoral failure, stating, “Peter Obi and Gov. Alex Otti’s high-handedness and love for power grabbing sowed the seeds of our losses.”
Arabambi highlighted that Akpata’s candidacy was problematic, as he hails from the same local government as the incumbent governor, Godwin Obaseki.
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“The people of Edo wanted the next governor to emerge from Edo Central,” he noted, referring to the candidates chosen by both APC and PDP.
Also, the LP criticized Akpata for his remarks suggesting the election was marred by corruption. Arabambi retorted, “Olumide Akpata has no reason to complain about the election. He bought all the Labour Party delegates during the primary and manipulated the party structure.”
The statement concluded with a call for unity among Edo people and urged them to support the newly elected governor. The LP affirmed its commitment to adhere to party constitution under Abure’s leadership while demanding an apology from Obi for his perceived betrayal.
