Olusegun Ariyo
Former Nigeria Bar Association President and Labour Party, LP, governorship candidate in the September 21, 2024 election in Edo State, Olumide Akpata, says he cannot be remote-controlled by any political benefactor or godfather if elected in the poll.
He made this statement on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme and that which was monitored by Urban Express News Online on Thursday, saying he is only answerable to the people of the state.
“That is one reason they (Edo people) can trust the Labour Party government because we are answerable to the people.
“I have no strings attached. I am not answerable to any godfather. I am not answerable to any political benefactor,” he said.
The forthcoming governorship election in the state has top contenders including Akpata, Asue Ighodalo of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
According to the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, unlike the other candidates attached to former and serving governors, he is not answerable to any political godfather.
The LP candidate also said his campaign is not funded by Governor Godwin Obaseki whose anointed candidate is PDP’s Ighodalo.
“Initially, I was said to be the agent of Governor Obaseki, we were able to debunk that. Today, I was said to be sponsored by the APC. I think it is conspiracy theorising that is most stupid.
“I am funding myself and I have friends who believe in me and that we can do much better in Edo,” he said