Members of the Akpata family and close associates have voiced strong concerns about the Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate, Olumide Akpata.
According to reports by NewsHunterNow, Akpata’s family warned that his perceived arrogance could lead to poor governance if he is elected as the governor of Edo State.
Describing Akpata as a social individual with significant arrogance, sources close to him have urged Edo voters to reconsider their choice.
“I know Olumide very well. He is a social chap, but he has a problem with arrogance which will make him a terrible governor if elected,” a close ally of Akpata resounded the worry of many of his associates who know him closely in Ikoyi and other parts of Lagos.
The source who pleaded anonymity continued, “I have had several encounters with him. He is so arrogant. Most of us assume it is because of his wealth but we also have other successful friends who aren’t arrogant. He’s always been one to bulldoze his way through discussions, making it clear that his opinion reigns supreme.
“Imagine someone who even when he is not governor yet is fond of bullying and talking down on people, making it appear as if he is the only authority. What will happen when he becomes governor? Giving such a person all the powers of a governor is going to spell doom for Edo people.
“He is our friend but it is good that we speak the truth and warn Edo people about the dangers of electing and empowering someone with such arrogance with governorship power,” he warned.
The source further highlighted Akpata’s refusal to support a power shift to Edo Central as evidence of his arrogance, suggesting it could further divide the state.
“His arrogance is one of the reasons why he has refused to respect the fairness of allowing the race to be exclusively for an Esan person, just as the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress in the State have done. We are worried that his arrogance will further alienate the people than unite them, which is why I think it is necessary to warn Edo people.”
A member of the Akpata family close to the candidate who spoke on the condition of anonymity also described Olumide as “arrogant and with an inflated sense of self-importance,” which he said are not qualities of a good leader, warning that his election will be calamitous for the people.
The source said, “We are worried for him as a family. He is so full of himself and arrogant, a trait that he has always displayed while growing up. As far as Olumide is concerned, might is right just because arrogance is everything. It is always himself first before any other. These are not qualities of a good leader.”
“For a leadership position like governor, you need to listen as much as you speak, but Olumide is not that patient. He is too arrogant to consider other people’s opinions. Everyone must work together to ensure he doesn’t get the governorship job at Dennis Osadebey House, otherwise, he will be an emperor and slave master who will bully, batter and silence the voice of Edo people.”