Toba Owojaiye reporting
Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
Labour Party chieftain Osikhena Abu has penned an open letter to Edo gubernatorial candidate Barr. Olumide Akpata, raising significant concerns about his suitability for the upcoming election.
Truth Live News gathered that Abu, a member of the Labour Party in Ogbona Ward, Etsako Central LGA, articulated doubts about Akpata’s ability to transition from his previous role as President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to governing Edo State.
In his letter,, made available to Truth Live News, Abu acknowledged Akpata’s remarkable tenure with the NBA but emphasized the stark differences between managing a professional association and governing a state.
He highlighted the broader range of issues and skills required for effective state governance, stressing that Akpata’s previous experience may not adequately prepare him for the complexities of state leadership. “Managing an association of legal professionals is vastly different from governing an entire state,” Abu wrote.
A major point of contention in Abu’s letter is Akpata’s dismissal of zoning in Edo State politics. Abu points out the irony of Akpata’s current stance, given that his rise to the NBA presidency was facilitated by a zoning arrangement from the north to the south. Abu warned that ignoring this principle could alienate significant portions of the electorate, particularly those in Edo Central who believe it is their turn to produce the next governor.
He said , “It is contradictory for you to dismiss the importance of zoning in Edo State politics when you benefited from such an arrangement in Abuja.”
Abu also questioned Akpata’s judgment based on his recent personal life. He noted that Akpata’s marriage, which ended within three months, casts doubt on his ability to make sound decisions affecting millions of Edo State residents.
“If it took you 50 years to choose a partner yet within 3 months you discovered it was a wrong decision, how then do you want to convince Edo people that you can make good decisions for us?” Abu argued that leadership requires stability and sound judgment—qualities that appear to be in question.
The letter addressed inconsistencies regarding Akpata’s name, highlighting a court case where Akpata rejected “Osaigbovo” as his middle name, favoring “Anthony” instead. Abu claimed that Akpata’s sudden re-adoption of “Osaigbovo” for election purposes undermines his authenticity and honesty—traits crucial for any leader. “Authenticity and honesty are non-negotiable traits for any leader, and such discrepancies do not inspire confidence in your candidacy,” Abu asserted.
Abu concluded by suggesting that Akpata’s candidacy lacks a viable pathway to victory and could potentially split votes, aiding less competent candidates. He advised Akpata to step aside, allow for power rotation, resolve personal issues, and gain more political experience, proposing that such an action would be honorable and beneficial for future political endeavors. “To whom brain is given, sense is expected,” Abu stated
Abu’s letter presents a critical view of Akpata’s gubernatorial bid, questioning his experience, judgment, and authenticity ahead of the September 21 elections. The call for Akpata to reconsider his candidacy epitomizes the challenges he may face in uniting and inspiring confidence among Edo State voters.