As the Edo State governorship election on September 21, 2024, draws near, Bishop Samuel Omede, the campaign Director-General of Labour Party (LP) candidate Barrister Olumide Akpata, has expressed high confidence in their chances of winning.
Speaking in an interview, Omede highlighted the extensive groundwork done by the Labour Party, which he believes positions them for an unprecedented victory against the two major contenders, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
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Omede noted that Edo State has suffered under 24 years of misrule by PDP and APC.
He criticized their administrations for exacerbating poverty, unemployment, and infrastructural decay.
According to Omede, Akpata and his deputy, Yusuf Asamah Kadiri, SAN, are the leaders the state needs to reverse these trends and restore hope.
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He described Akpata’s candidacy as a direct response to the overwhelming desire of Edo citizens for change and an escape from what he called the “purgatory” of past administrations.
When questioned about the realities of election campaigns and whether Labour’s optimism was misplaced, Omede argued that the sentiments on the ground were overwhelmingly in favor of Akpata.
“Our people’s backs have been pushed through the wall by extreme hunger, unmitigated hardship, and flamboyant but empty claims of infrastructural development.
Edo people have had enough,” he declared, adding that the LP’s campaign had reached every corner of the state, from rural communities to major urban centers.
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He criticized the current PDP administration under Governor Godwin Obaseki for its handling of the economy, claiming that while revenues had increased significantly, the people had seen little benefit.
Omede pointed to the state’s growing internally generated revenue (IGR), which has risen from ₦15 billion to ₦65 billion, yet public infrastructure remains neglected, and workers continue to suffer under hyperinflation and poor wages.
Omede was also quick to dismiss the notion that incumbency powers, federal might, or wealth from APC and PDP could sway the election outcome.
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He suggested that Edo voters were too enlightened to fall for last-minute handouts or flashy campaign tactics.
“If that’s all APC and PDP have to offer, they will be disappointed,” he said, stressing that the electorate was aware of the current administration’s failures.
Addressing concerns over regional representation, particularly the call for the governorship to rotate to Edo Central Senatorial District, Omede acknowledged the sentiment but highlighted the importance of competence over tribal affiliations.
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He noted that Labour Party’s primaries had been open to all candidates and that Akpata won due to his qualities and not regional politics.
However, Omede reassured the people of Edo Central that the Labour Party remains committed to fair power-sharing in future elections.
Omede emphasized that the Labour Party’s focus is on delivering tangible solutions to the people’s problems, contrasting this with the PDP and APC’s unfulfilled promises.
“Edo people deserve better, and we are ready to provide that,” he stated confidently, urging voters to turn out in numbers to bring real change to the state through Akpata’s leadership.
