Akpata: What Happened on September 21 Wasn’t an Election—It Was a Transaction!

In his first statement following the Edo State governorship election on September 21, Labour Party candidate Mr. Olumide Akpata declared that the events of that day were not a genuine election but rather a transaction.

In a release titled “Unbowed, Unbent, and Unbroken: Statement on the 2024 Edo State Gubernatorial Election Results,” Akpata expressed a mix of profound concern and hope as he responded to the results announced by INEC.

“From the outset, we were deeply worried about the integrity of this election. We knew powerful interests would try to manipulate the outcome against the will of the people,” he said. “Unfortunately, those fears were confirmed. But we must also face an uncomfortable truth: the outcome was not only influenced by those who sought to corrupt the process, but also by the actions—and inactions—of many voters.”

While he acknowledged that the election was mostly free from traditional election-day misconduct, such as ballot snatching, Akpata pointed out that it was tainted by voter intimidation and result falsification. He highlighted the alarmingly low voter turnout, which he attributed to widespread apathy among the populace. Nevertheless, he praised those who overcame the odds to vote and ensure their voices were heard, calling them the true heroes of the election.

A troubling trend emerged during the election, Akpata stated, as both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) engaged in extensive vote-buying. “According to YIAGA Africa, a prominent civil society group, our electoral process was reduced to a marketplace—a bidding war for votes. This practice is just as damaging as outright ballot stuffing and has effectively disenfranchised the people of Edo State.”

He emphasized, “Let’s be clear: what took place on September 21, 2024, was not an election; it was a transaction. This was made easier by those who chose to stay away, allowing the dominant parties to claim a majority of the few votes cast, and by those who sold their votes.”

Akpata expressed understanding for those who sold their votes due to economic hardship, even admitting that some Labour Party supporters participated in the vote-buying. “We understand the crushing economic difficulties many face—hardships that make the immediate relief of vote-selling seem appealing. However, this short-term gain comes at a significant long-term cost. I urge you to consider the consequences of your actions; your vote is a legacy for future generations. It’s painful to acknowledge that many, including some of our own supporters, sold their future for a quick payoff from the very parties that have contributed to their struggles.”

He warned that this election has created a political environment dominated by godfathers and puppet governors, which threatens Edo State’s development. “We now face the prospect of ongoing underdevelopment and governance that prioritizes the few over the many. We must live with these consequences for years to come.”

Explaining why he lost his own polling unit to PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo, Akpata said, “Our campaign refused to engage in the cash-and-carry mentality. We didn’t budget for such tactics used by parties whose governors may have tapped into state resources for their campaigns. Even if we had the money, we wouldn’t participate in such a betrayal of democracy. I could have easily secured enough votes to win my polling unit, but that was not the path we chose.”

Akpata reserved his strongest condemnation for the APC and PDP, stating, “Their actions have systematically destroyed our state’s economy over the last 25 years, enabling this democratic disgrace to thrive. This election revealed a political landscape where ideology and the people’s will are overshadowed by those with the deepest pockets.”

In response to PDP’s allegations of result manipulation by APC, Akpata said, “I feel no sympathy for the PDP, who now cry foul after being outmaneuvered in this political game. They willingly participated in the bidding war with the APC, fully aware of the stakes.”

He encouraged his supporters to remain steadfast, stating, “The path to true democracy is long and challenging, but it’s a journey we must take together.”

“Let this moment be a rallying cry for all who believe in democracy’s promise. The road ahead may be tough, but with unity, perseverance, and commitment to our principles, we can and will build the Edo State and Nigeria of our dreams.”