Edo Decides: Take Responsibility For Your Failure At Polls – Edo LP To Akpata

…Condemns allegation of betrayal levelled against party agents, faithful

By Simeon OSAJIE

Rt. Hon. Elizabeth Ativie-led State Executive Committee of Labour Party (LP) has advised the candidate of the party in the just concluded Edo State Governorship Election, Barr. Olumide Akpata to take responsibility for his failure at the polls.

In a press statement signed by Airen Igbinedion, Publicity Secretary of the party stated that the party condemn in the strongest terms the baseless allegations of betrayal and vote-selling leveled against Labour Party agents and faithfuls. These claims are not only false but also an affront to the hardworking and committed individuals in our party who have consistently demonstrated their loyalty to our cause.

The statement reads: “The attention of the Labour Party, Edo State Chapter, has been drawn to recent unfounded allegations made by our gubernatorial candidate, Barrister Olumide Akpata, following his defeat in the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election.

“In these allegations, he has sought to blame the Labour Party and its dedicated members for his loss by insinuating that party agents were involved in vote-selling and other acts of disloyalty.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the baseless allegations of betrayal and vote-selling leveled against Labour Party agents and faithfuls. These claims are not only false but also an affront to the hardworking and committed individuals in our party who have consistently demonstrated their loyalty to our cause.

“We wish to categorically state that the Labour Party, under the chairmanship of Rt. Hon. (Chief) Mrs. Elizabeth Ativie, was not and was never involved in the uploading of polling unit agents for the election in question.

“Barrister Akpata chose to entrust the critical task of managing polling unit agents to his friends, allies, and cronies, bypassing the constitutionally recognized leadership and structure of the Labour Party in Edo State. Therefore, it is disingenuous for him to attempt to shift the blame for his electoral defeat onto the party and its members.

“For the avoidance of doubt, in a press statement issued by the National Chairman of the Labour Party, Barr. Julius Abure, on September 9, 2024, it was made clear that, following controversies and disputes raised by Barrister Akpata himself, the access code for uploading polling unit agents was handed over to him, granting him full autonomy to upload his agents. This unusual step was taken to accommodate Barrister Akpata’s demands, despite being contrary to the standard procedures of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all political parties in Nigeria.

“The Labour Party in Edo State remains proud of its members, who stood firmly by our principles of integrity and democracy throughout the election process. We also sincerely apologize to all committed Labour Party faithful for the unguarded statements made by Barrister Akpata in the aftermath of the election. We understand the frustration and disappointment these statements may have caused, especially to those who worked tirelessly for the party.

“We hereby urge Barrister Akpata to take full responsibility for his actions and the failure of his campaign. Rather than blaming others, he should offer a sincere apology to the party and its loyal members and acknowledge that the agents he personally selected and uploaded were the ones who sold him out, not the Labour Party agents or its dedicated members.”