The Labour Party (LP) faction led by Julius Abure has attributed its poor performance in the recently concluded Edo State governorship election to its candidate, Barr. Olumide Akpata, and former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, the LP congratulated the Edo State Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing his victory as well-deserved. The party also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting what it called one of the fairest and most peaceful elections in the country’s recent history.
Arabambi, while addressing journalists in Abeokuta, Ogun State, dismissed allegations of election malpractice leveled against INEC, stating that such accusations come from people who refuse to accept outcomes that do not favor them. He remarked, “Whatever INEC does is correct. The problem with Nigerians and their leaders is that if something doesn’t favor them, they claim it’s wrong. But if it favors them, even when it’s wrong, they call it right.”
The party went further to criticize Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti, accusing them of betrayal and power-hungry behavior, which Arabambi said played a significant role in the party’s failure in Edo. He accused Obi and Otti of undermining the party’s leadership under Abure and Secretary Alhaji Farouk Umar Ibrahim, claiming their actions led to divisions within the party.
The Labour Party also alleged that the people of Edo had rejected Akpata because he hails from the same local government area (Oredo) and senatorial district as outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki. According to Arabambi, “The people wanted the next governor to come from Edo Central, which is why both the APC and PDP fielded candidates from that region.”
In a sharp rebuke to Akpata’s complaints about the election being for the “highest bidder,” the party questioned his moral right to make such claims. Arabambi alleged that Akpata himself bought votes during the Labour Party primaries to secure his candidacy, accusing him of bribing delegates, providing vehicles, and even using the police to harass dissenters. “Akpata has no reason to complain. He bought over the party structure and secured the ticket through irregular means,” Arabambi added.
The Labour Party, however, urged the people of Edo State to support the incoming governor, Senator Okpebholo, assuring that under Abure’s leadership, the party will continue to uphold its constitutional values.
