By Monday OISE
BENIN CITY- The Labour Party Governorship candidate , Barr Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata has clarified that what transpired on 21 September 2024 was not an election but a transaction process where the highest bidder carried the day
Barr Akpata made this clarification in a statement on the 2024 Edo State Gubernatorial election results titled unbowed ,unbent and unbroken.
He emphasize that although the election was largely free from historical forms of election- day malpractice such as ballot box snatching and stuffing, but it was nevertheless marred by voter intimidation and the falsification of results which also withnessed one of the lowest voter turnouts in recent years, a testament to the apathy that gripped the populace.
The Labour Party candidate noted that a troubling theme emerged during the election process which have to do with a widespread vote- buying scheme by both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as attested to by YIAGA Africa, leading civil society organisation and domestic observer group , the sacred electoral process was reduced to a commodities market – a bidding war for votes .
He noted that this practice,no less damaging than outright ballot stufing has effectively disenfranchised the people of Edo State
Continuing he said to those who sold their votes, ” We extend our understanding,not condemnation, we acknowledge the crushing economic hardships that many of you face daily – hardships that make the immediate relief of vote selling seem like a lifeline . Yet this short term gain comes at an immense long term cost . We implore you to reflect deeply on the consequences of your actions,to recognise that your voteis the legacy you bequeath to future generations
Barr Akpata added that ” we reserve our strongest condemnation for those who engaged in vote buying, the APC and PDP . Their actions have directly contributed to the destruction of our state’s economy over the past 25 years , creating the enabling environment for this democratic sacrilege to thrive .The election has laid bare the stark reality that our political landscape is dominated not by ideologies or the people’s will , but by those with the deepest pockets and the most extensive networks of influence”.
He said he hold no sympathy for the PDP who now cry foul after being outmanoeuvred in this macabre game of thrones as they willingly participated in the bidding war with the APC , fully aware of the rules from the outset adding that their lamentations ring hallow in the face of their own complicity in this democratic travesty
On the part of the APC and the Governor- elect ,he said their actions have undermined the democratic process, betrayed the trust of the people they seek to lead , and eroded faith in our democratic institutions pointing out that this is a legacy that will overshadow their ill-gotten mandate, as their ” grab ,snatch and run” playback is akin to riding on the back of a tiger – it will ultimately be the source of their undoing
He then urged all stakeholders , INEC , security agencies, civil society organizations and every concerned citizen to sieze this pivotal moment and interrogate these irregularities, not just merely as a post-mortem of this election, but as a critical step in safe guarding our democracy
He subsequently urged the Labour Party supporters and all those who share their belief in the promise of a better Edo State not to lose heart adding that the path to true democracy is often long 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 ideals that will truly move our state and our nation forward” he noted
” Let this moment serve not as a defeat , but as a rallying cry for all 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 public service ” he informed
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