Toba Owojaiye reporting
Benin City, Edo State
In a surprising turn of events, Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party (LP) gubernatorial candidate, has allegedly altered his campaign strategy, now encouraging supporters that if they don’t vote for LP, they should, by all means, vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to a reliable source, who spoke to Truth Live News on the condition of anonymity, Akpata has allegedly reached an agreement to collaborate with the APC, a deal reportedly worth about one billion naira. This arrangement is said to include a promise of a senatorial ticket for the next general election, representing Edo South. The formalization of this agreement is allegedly set to take place next week in Abuja, with Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, reportedly facilitating the deal.
The source claims that the funds are expected to be handed over to Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who will then provide them to Akpata.
The strategy is allegedly part of a broader effort by key political players like Iyamu and Pius Odubu, who have been credited with working closely with Akpata to secure support for the APC gubernatorial candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo. This has raised concerns among Labour Party youth and supporters, who are being urged to be aware of the situation.
Critics within the party are expressing shock over these developments, with some alleging that Akpata has compromised the integrity of the Labour Party by aligning with the APC for a “paltry” sum of one billion naira.
As the situation unfolds, many are waiting to see how Akpata’s alleged actions will impact the upcoming September 21st elections. For now, the political landscape remains tense, with supporters from all sides closely monitoring these alleged maneuvers.