Victor Ezeja
Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) has defended the decision of Obi to support Labour Party governorship candidate in Edo State, Barr Olumide Akpata, saying it was based on democratic principles.
POMR stated this in response to those accusing, Peter Obi of hypocrisy for supporting Akpata as candidate of the part in the upcoming 21 September off-cycle governorship election in the state.
POMR in a statement signed by its, spokesman, Ibrahim Umar, on Thursday, said Obi’s involvement in campaigning for the Labour Party’s governorship flag bearer has changed the narrative, making his political opponents to engage in mischief to divert attention from the real issues about the election.
Obi’s media group said his adversaries have, instead of focusing on issues that drive the election, were trying to change the conversation by attacking Obi for supporting his party candidate that he found suitable for the job.
The group faulted the argument of Obi’s critics that he is going against his principles on power rotation, by supporting Akpata because according to them, the LP candidate’s zone is not supposed to produce the next governor of the state.
The group, however, said that what Obi’s traducers failed to understand is that his stand on zoning remains.
It clarified that the Labour Party even under the leadership of an Edo State indigene then (Julius Abure), did not zone their gubernatorial seat to any area in particular, “and delegates that elected Akpata were strictly only Edo people from all the local government areas, including Edo central because they found him suited for their desires for the state.”
It emphasised that “Obi does not trade competence and reputation for zoning, and as a Democrat, he will always respect the position of the majority, especially if it’s anchored on the track record of the candidate.”
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POMR pointed out that Akpata, by his age and antecedents, appeals to the youths as having the energy and mentality for the job.
The media group further stated that Obi, in all his campaigns in Edo, focused his messages on issues that are needed to take Edo State and Nigeria forward, and never indulged in name-calling of anyone, as he found the LP governorship “candidate a square peg in a square hole.”
“The Labour Party delegates in Edo state found Bar Akpata their best option for the contest, and Obi, as a true democrat in his usual way of non-interference, decided to support their choice respecting the peculiarities of every state.
“POMR knew that the needless attack on Obi was just to distract attention from the issue that is driving the Edo state gubernatorial election, which places the Labour Party flag bearer in a good stand.”
The group advised those bitter that Obi is campaigning for Akpata to leave the people of the state to decide who their next governor will be and stop focusing “attention on mundane things.”
READ ALSO: Gubernatorial Election: Peter Obi Shuts Down Edo State, Mobilises Voters For Akpata,Kadiri
It added that Obi called on all critical stakeholders involved in the conduct of Saturday’s election, especially the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security operatives, “to ensure a level playing ground in such a way that the world will see that Edo voters and not any other variables prevail in the end.”
Prime Business Africa reports that Obi, who was the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, has visited Edo State on three occasions to campaign for Akpata.
On Wednesday, Obi and his 2023 running mate, Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed and other members of the party leadership and the Obidients Movement, including Senator Nenadi Usman, Labour Party Caretaker Chairman; among others, joined Akpata hus running mate, Alhaji Kadiri Asamah Yusuf in their mega rally in Edo.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
