‘Your Allegation Unfounded’ – Labour Party Replies Edo Guber Aspirant Akpata

The Labour Party (LP) has replied to one of its governorship aspirants for the Edo State election, Olumide Akpata’s allegation of lack of transparency and readiness for the primary election in the state, describing it as unfounded.

Akpata, the immediate past chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) had alleged in an advertorial a few days ago said that the party was not committed to a transparent primary as there were orchestrated plans to handpick the party’s governorship candidate.

The Edo election will be held on September 21, 2024.

But worried that the process was being set up against his ambition, Akpata in the letter addressed to the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, said he had made all efforts to see the leadership of the Labour Party to be transparent but had failed.

But in a swift reaction, the party announced that its primary for the election initially fixed for February 22 will be held on February 23.

A statement on Tuesday by Sam Uroupa, Edo Labour Party Publicity Secretary rejected Akpata’s accusations, pointing out that the party was committed to a transparent process.

The party said, “Normally, we would not have replied to the letter; however, due to the concerns regarding integrity, fairness, and transparency raised about the party in relation to the ward congress and primaries process, we find it necessary to provide some clarifications,” Uroupa said.

“Furthermore, Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata’s claim that the lack of information and transparency regarding the primary election process resulted in a mass departure of aspirants from the party is unfounded.

“This is because those who withdrew or abandoned their supposed ambitions were not officially recognized as LP aspirants.

“Aspirants are individuals who have successfully purchased both the expression of interest and nomination forms, as opposed to those who merely expressed interest without completing the form purchase,” the party said.

It added that “None of the individuals in question acquired either the nomination form or expression of interest. Some of these individuals only utilised the party’s branding on social media platforms like Facebook to solicit funds and donations from LP supporters worldwide.

“After achieving their objectives, they abandoned their alleged ambitions based on flimsy and unverifiable excuses, as detailed in Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata’s letter announcing their departure from the party or resignation from their ambitions.

“In conclusion, the LP leadership, led by Barr. (Dr.) Julius Abure as the National Chairman and distinguished Comr. Kelly Ogbaloi, as the State Chairman, has consistently emphasised that ensuring a free, fair, and credible process in selecting the party’s gubernatorial flag bearer is non-negotiable,” the statement adds.

“The party is determined to steer clear of the recurring errors seen in the APC and PDP, which have hindered the country’s progress and perpetuated poor governance.

“Under this leadership, the LP is at the forefront of advocating for electoral reform in Nigeria to establish a framework for transparent, equitable, and trustworthy processes in electing leaders, ultimately aiming to foster good governance.”