Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party’s governorship candidate in the upcoming Edo election, has slammed the outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki, accusing his administration of inflicting severe hardship on the people of the state. Akpata’s criticism came in a statement on Sunday, as he reflected on the state of Edo under Obaseki’s leadership, which spanned both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Akpata expressed his dismay, stating, “The suffering of the Edo people has reached unprecedented levels under the Obaseki government. The administration celebrates our 33rd anniversary with pomp, but as I’ve traveled through the state—from Benin City to Auchi to Uromi—I’ve witnessed a stark disconnect between the government’s claims and the reality on the ground.”
He accused the current government of prioritizing political maneuvering over the welfare of its citizens. “This political somersault has brought no relief to the common man. The past eight years have been a masterclass in deception—a government that changed parties but maintained the same disregard for the welfare of its citizens,” Akpata lamented.
He emphasized how unemployment, poverty, and a lack of support for farmers have plagued the state, adding that the dreams of a prosperous Edo, envisioned 33 years ago, now hang by a thread due to neglect and mismanagement.
However, Akpata remains hopeful, drawing inspiration from the resilience of the Edo people. “Despite the challenges, I see hope. Young people are creating innovative solutions to local problems. This spirit of Edo State cannot be extinguished by misgovernance,” he said.
As the Edo election draws near, Akpata urged the people to use the upcoming vote as an opportunity to steer the state toward genuine transformation. He called the election a “battle for the soul of Edo State,” a chance to move past the failures of the current administration and begin a journey of progress and opportunity for all.
Akpata acknowledged the difficulties ahead but remained optimistic. “Together, we can transform Edo State into a land of opportunity. We can create a state where our children build their futures here, and where small businesses and innovation thrive,” he concluded.
The election is scheduled for September 21, 2024, and a total of 184,438 voters have been registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state.
