Olumide Akpata, a gubernatorial aspirant for the Labour Party (LP) in the upcoming Edo State election, has affirmed his commitment to the party, even in the face of potential rigging in the primary election. Speaking on Channels Televisionā€™s Sunday Politics, the former president of the Nigeria Bar Association expressed his faith in the party’s candidate selection process, despite acknowledging past irregularities in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states.
Akpata, determined to uphold the party’s values, emphasized that he would not succumb to political opportunism and would gracefully accept defeat if outmaneuvered in the primaries. He dismissed the idea of switching allegiances, stating, “Political harlotry is not one of my strong points. I came to this party because I believe in what the party stands for.”
Addressing concerns about receiving support from the presidential candidate of the party in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, Akpata acknowledged the improbability of garnering a specific endorsement from Obi, given the multitude of aspirants vying for the candidacy. He expressed confidence that Obi, known for his fairness and equity, would endorse the chosen candidate of the party in Edo State.
Akpata’s resolute stand and commitment to democratic principles amidst the challenges of party politics signify a dedication to ethical leadership and the pursuit of a transparent political process in Edo State.
