Olumide Akpata, a governorship aspirant under the Labour Party (LP) banner in the forthcoming Edo State elections, vehemently denied allegations suggesting that Governor Godwin Obaseki was sponsoring his political ambitions.
The former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) dismissed the reports as unfounded and baseless, challenging the credibility of those who propagated such claims.
Addressing the media in Benin, the capital of Edo State, Akpata expressed his frustration with the rumors, particularly those insinuating that he was attempting to secure the LP ticket through financial influence.
He categorically labeled such accusations as the product of immaturity and misinformation.
Setting the record straight, Akpata stated, “That I am sponsored by Godwin Obaseki is an unfounded and baseless rumor.
It was bandied around by two irresponsible online blogs that I shall be going after with all the venom that I can muster because my approach to fake news is that you nip it in the bud and you deal with it before it festers.”
Akpata’s firm stance against false information extended to address disgruntled politicians, both within and outside his party, who propagated the narrative. He dismissed their arguments as weak reasoning, asserting that his visible relationship with the governor did not imply any form of sponsorship or political alliance.
“My relationship with the governor has never been hidden, so it is only politicians who don’t know how to agree to disagree that quickly conclude that when two contenders sit together, they must belong to the same camp,” Akpata explained, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of political relationships beyond simplistic assumptions.
As Edo State gears up for the 2024 elections, Akpata’s denial serves as a testament to the challenges faced by political aspirants in navigating the intricate web of rumors and misinformation.
The LP candidate remains resolute in his commitment to addressing the issue head-on, emphasizing the importance of dispelling falsehoods to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
In the midst of political maneuvering and competing narratives, Akpata stands as a vocal advocate for truth and transparency in the pursuit of his gubernatorial ambitions.
