Edo State’s Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata, has affirmed his dedication to the party even if he loses the ticket in the primary election, stating that he will remain within the party regardless of the outcome.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme, Akpata, a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), addressed questions about the party’s selection process and the large number of aspirants vying for the ticket.
While acknowledging concerns about glitches in previous party primaries, especially in states like Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi, Akpata expressed optimism that those overseeing the affairs of the party would address any challenges.
Akpata emphasized his commitment to the Labour Party, stating, “I came to this party because I believe in what the party stands for. If some of the operators of the party are behaving in an underhanded manner, that does not mean the party has changed.”
The aspirant asserted that he is not a political opportunist and stressed his democratic values, mentioning that if he is not selected in the primaries, he would accept the outcome gracefully. He stated, “Political harlotry is not one of my strong points. If I lose, I will go home.”
Responding to inquiries about the support of the presidential candidate of the party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, Akpata clarified that he does not have Obi’s endorsement but believes that Obi, being fair and democratic, would endorse whoever emerges as the candidate in the state.
He said, “Mr Peter Obi is a friend of mine, he knows about my ambition, we have talked about it but I expect no less from him. He’s a democrat, he’s fair, he’s just, he’s equitable. So, what he would do is wait for the process to play out.”
