Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party’s governorship candidate in Edo state, has refuted claims that his campaign is being sponsored by the state’s current governor, Godwin Obaseki.
Akpata, a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, made this clarification during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
Akpata emphasized that, despite sharing a familial connection with Obaseki, he cannot be considered a backup plan for the incumbent governor’s administration, which has received low ratings from Edo residents for its performance.
When questioned about his campaign funding, Akpata provided clarification, addressing concerns about the source of his financial support.
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He said, “Who is funding me? I don’t want to appear to be ducking any questions. I am finding 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. Firstly, I am really flattered by the fact that there is so much attention focused on me. That means I am doing something very good and right.
“As I said on another channel, Na tree wey get stone dem dey stone. 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.
“Those who are hoping and praying we run out of steam have something else coming for them. Initially, I was set to be the agent of Governor Obaseki. We were able to debunk that. Today, I am said to be sponsored by the APC.
The conspiracy theorising, as it is termed, is so stupid. But we will push back on that.”
“That was what they were saying when I became the candidate of the Labour Party. We have told them clearly that 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.
“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. We have local government officials and the PDP going after my billboards. But we have warned them and they have desisted,” he said
READ ALSO: Edo Gov: Akpata Claims PDP Agents Damaged His Campaign Signs
However, in anticipation the people of Edo State awaits of State’s governorship election on Saturday September 21, 2024.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the signing of Peace Accord by candidates of all political parties involved in the election will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2024 in Benin City.
The commission noted that the crucial exercise is organized in collaboration with the National Peace Committee (NPC), and aims to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.
