Governorship Candidate of the Labour Party in Edo State, Olumide Akpata, has declared that APC and PDP will be served “hot breakfast” in Edo the upcoming on September 21 Gubernatorial Election.
In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, the lawyer launched a strong criticism of the APC and PDP, promising a significant shift in the September 21 gubernatorial election.
He predicted a strong electoral response from the people, noting, “The people will serve APC and PDP hot breakfast on the 21st of September because the people desire change and to be brought out of bondage.”
Akpata firmly denied allegations that he is a pawn for the APC. “I have told the people that I am not one of them,” he stated.
In a pointed critique of the current political landscape, he remarked, “We call them PDAPC, we do not bother to separate them anymore, as they are the same. They have run Edo State for 25 years with nothing to show for it. It is a continuous failure in leadership. I will not touch them with a badge poll. I have no godfather or benefactor.”
Highlighting his connection to Peter Obi, he emphasised the support he has received from the former governor of Anambra State. “Peter Obi has said many times that he is fully in support of my candidacy, and he has asked his supporters in Edo State to support me. The Peter Obi effect is still very much present,” Akpata said.
Addressing concerns about divisions within the Labour Party, he acknowledged existing issues but assured that they are manageable. “Every family has issues. The Labour Party has issues at the national level. There are even issues right now if Abure is still the chairman of the party, so he has not come to lift my hand up, but Peter Obi has.”
On the state of business in Edo, which was recently ranked 37th out of 37 by PEBEC, Akpata promised reforms to attract both local and international investors. He acknowledged that “Edo is one of the worst places to do business. We are going to inspire confidence and put things in place that are needed so that both local and international investors will come in. It’s not rocket science.”
Regarding infrastructure, particularly water issues, Akpata asserted that Edo’s income could support essential projects despite current challenges. “We can pipe water, and the dams that have been abandoned can be reactivated. There is a cholera outbreak because our water systems are impaired.
Akpata has criticised the current leadership for resource mismanagement, asserting that Edo’s income can support key infrastructure. He stated, “Edo has an income profile that can accommodate water, roads, etc. The problem we have is that people are not doing their job.”
NANCY MBAMALU
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