The Edo State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has firmly denied allegations of an alliance with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the lead-up to the September 21 governorship election. The accusations, circulating online, suggest that the LP candidate, Olumide Akpata, has struck a secret deal with APC, allegedly orchestrated by the presidency.
In response, the LP’s State Publicity Secretary, Sam Uruopa, released a statement refuting these claims as baseless and a deliberate attempt to damage Akpata’s reputation. Uruopa emphasized that the party remains focused on its campaign, which is driven by grassroots support and a commitment to the ideals of the Labour Party.
Akpata’s Campaign Remains Independent
The statement from the Labour Party categorically denies any secret alliance with the APC. According to Uruopa, “There is no truth in the claim that a secret alliance between Akpata and APC exists. Our candidate has consistently maintained his commitment to the Labour Party and its ideals.” The party also dismissed rumors of financial sponsorship from the APC or the presidency, asserting that Akpata’s campaign is self-funded, supported by dedicated party members and supporters.
The statement further criticized the alleged misinformation as a distraction from the real issues at stake in the upcoming election. Uruopa highlighted that both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have had their chance to lead but have failed to deliver lasting progress for Edo State. In contrast, Akpata is portrayed as a beacon of change, untainted by the influences that have plagued the state’s politics for decades.
Labour Party’s Transparent Primaries
Addressing concerns about the party’s internal processes, Uruopa reiterated that the Labour Party conducted the most transparent primaries, free from the influence of any political godfathers. Akpata emerged as the clear winner in a process that Uruopa described as a model for democratic engagement.
In an attempt to further distance Akpata from the APC, Uruopa labeled the allegations of secret meetings and financial transactions with the ruling party as outright lies. “The alleged late-night meetings with APC officials are false,” the statement read. Instead, Akpata has been deeply engaged in a ward-to-ward campaign, directly connecting with the people of Edo State and presenting his vision for their future.
Focusing on the Issues
As the election date approaches, the Labour Party is urging its members and the public to ignore what it describes as smear campaigns aimed at undermining Akpata’s candidacy. The party remains focused on its agenda for development in Edo State, with Akpata and his running mate, Kadiri, promising a new direction for the state.
“We urge our party members, the Obidient family, and the general public to disregard these malicious allegations sponsored by the opposition and focus on the issues that matter,” Uruopa stated. The LP is positioning Akpata as a candidate who is committed to transparency, accountability, and the overall well-being of Edo State’s citizens.
As the political climate heats up, the Labour Party’s clear stance against these allegations reinforces its strategy to remain above the fray, concentrating on the tangible issues that resonate with voters. Moreover, with Akpata at the helm, the LP is positioning itself as the party of progress and integrity in a state where political loyalties have often been swayed by power and money.
Source: Vanguard
