Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the just concluded Edo State governorship election, Olumide Akpata has alleged that some of his party members betrayed him and sold their votes for money on the field during the election.
He made the allegation while addressing journalists on what he entitled: “Unbowed, unbent and unbroken: Statement on the 2024 Edo State gubernatorial election results” in Benin City.
He said as for the APC and the Governor-elect, their actions have undermined the democratic process, betrayed the trust of the very people they seek to lead, and eroded faith in our democratic institutions.
The governorship candidate in the just concluded state election, Akpata, added that this is the legacy that will overshadow their ill-gotten mandate. Their “grab, snatch, and run” playbook is akin to riding on the back of a tiger will ultimately be the source of their
undoing.
According to him “As we stand at this critical juncture in our State’s history, we must ask ourselves: Is this the democracy we envisioned? Is this the legacy we wish to leave for our children? A system where the size of one’s purse determines the weight of one’s voice is not a democracy but a plutocracy in disguise.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to building a democracy that works
for all, not just the highest bidder.
“We continue to envision an Edo State, and a Nigeria, where ideas triumph over Naira, where the collective will of the people shapes our future, and where every citizen feels the impact of good
governance in their daily lives.
“To achieve this vision, we must push for comprehensive electoral reform. We need to leverage technology to create foolproof systems that make vote buying not just difficult, but impossible.
We must also address the root causes that make our people susceptible to vote-selling.
“This means creating economic opportunities, improving education, and building a society where citizens do not feel compelled to mortgage their future for immediate gains.
“I urge all stakeholders – INEC, security agencies, civil society organisations, and every concerned citizen to seize this pivotal moment and interrogate these irregularities, not merely as a postmortem of this election, but as a critical step in safeguarding our democracy.
“To our supporters and all those who share our belief in the promise of a better Edo State: Do not lose heart. The path to true democracy is often ong and fraught with challenges, but it is a journey we must undertake together.
“Our struggle for good governance, transparency, and accountability continues.
“We must remain vigilant, engaged, and committed to the ideas that will truly move our State and our nation forward.
“Let this moment serve not as a defeat, but as a rallying cry for al who believe in the promise of democracy.
“The road ahead may be challenging, but with unity, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to our principles, we can and will build the Edo State, and Nigeria, of our dreams.
“The power to shape our future lies not just in the ballot box, but in our daily commitment to the values of integrity, transparency, and pubic service”,
