Obi Visits Edo to Rally Support for Akpata as Campaign Challenges Persist

Obi storms Edo for Akpata as the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate from the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, visits Benin City to rally voters behind Olumide Akpata ahead of the upcoming September 21 governorship election. Accompanying Obi is Abia State Governor Alex Oti, who is also expected to join the final stages of the campaign and voter mobilization in Edo State.

During a media briefing on Monday, Akpata shared the challenging and emotional journey he has endured while traversing the 18 local government areas as both an aspirant and now the Labour Party candidate. His experiences of witnessing widespread underdevelopment across Edo’s rural and urban areas heavily influenced his manifesto, which he described as a pact with the people.

Akpata emphasized that despite Edo State receiving substantial monthly allocations, totaling billions, alongside a growing debt of nearly N600 billion, the development has been minimal. Reflecting on the dire conditions, he called it a “desperate situation in need of serious intervention.” His campaign aims to reverse these conditions and improve the living standards of Edo’s citizens.

The Obi storms Edo for Akpata visit highlights the deplorable state of basic amenities in the region. Akpata pointed to communities like Urhonigbe and Eme-Ora, which have been without electricity for 10 and four years, respectively, as examples of the neglect the state has suffered. Farmers struggle to get their produce to market due to the poor road conditions, and even the approach to Benin City is marred by deteriorated infrastructure and flooding.

Akpata attributed this lack of progress to the mismanagement of the ruling APC and PDP parties, which have controlled Edo State for the past 25 years. He also expressed concerns over the rising violence during campaigns, sharing his own experience of being a victim in Uhumora, the home of the Edo Speaker.

In addition to the Obi storms Edo for Akpata rally, Akpata condemned the weaponization of poverty, which has led to politics becoming highly monetized in the state. He also debunked claims by the state government that health centers have been established in every ward, noting the dire state of schools and other public facilities that he encountered during his campaign travels.