Edo 2024: Labour Party Supporter Edokpayi Osaro Confident in Akpata’s Victory and Vision for Change
Ahead of the Edo State governorship election, Edotoday correspondent spoke with Mr. Edokpayi Osaro, a key supporter of the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Barr. Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata. In this exclusive interview, Osaro passionately outlined why Akpata is the candidate to lead Edo into a brighter future, detailing his belief in Akpata’s leadership, the party’s strategy to energize the electorate, and the fight against potential electoral malpractice.
“Akpata is the Leader Edo Needs” — Osaro
Edotoday Correspondent: What sets your candidate apart from the others?
From the outset, Mr. Osaro’s belief in Akpata was evident. He emphasized the candidate’s track record of accountability, transparency, and financial discipline. According to Osaro, Akpata’s leadership during his tenure as President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is proof of his ability to manage resources, a quality Edo State is in dire need of.
“When Akpata took over as NBA President, he inherited an empty treasury,” Osaro recounted. “But when he left, he had saved ₦1.5 billion. That’s not something you hear every day in Nigerian leadership.”
For Osaro, this isn’t just a matter of experience but of character. He contrasted Akpata’s leadership with other contenders in the race, calling them untested and lacking the transformational qualities Edo State deserves.
“While the other candidates make promises, Akpata has shown time and time again that he can deliver. Edo doesn’t need more rhetoric—we need someone who can take us from where we are to where we need to be.”
“This Election is Freedom Day”
Edotoday Correspondent: Given the unpredictable nature of elections, what gives you confidence that your candidate can win?
Mr. Osaro’s optimism stems from what he calls a groundswell of discontent among Edo’s electorate. He believes the people of Edo are tired of what he describes as “the same old politics” under the rule of both the PDP and APC.
“This election isn’t just another political contest—it’s Freedom Day for Edo State,” he declared passionately. “For over two decades, PDP and APC have controlled the resources of Edo with nothing to show for it. They’re essentially the same party; they’ve done the same damage. Edo people are fed up.”
Osaro pointed to widespread dissatisfaction with the state’s failing infrastructure, healthcare, and education systems.
“Look around,” he continued, “the roads are crumbling, hospitals are in poor shape, and our schools are falling apart. What they call ‘EdoBest’ is anything but. The people know this, and they are ready to punish the ruling parties for years of neglect at the polls.”
Engaging the Electorate: “Edo People Must To Matter”
Edotoday Correspondent: Voter apathy is a concern across the country. What steps has your candidate taken to ensure high voter turnout?
Acknowledging the challenge of voter apathy, Osaro explained that Akpata’s campaign has focused on reconnecting with the people and restoring their belief in the political process. The Labour Party’s strategy has been clear: inspire hope through direct engagement and a clear message of change.
“After the last presidential election, many voters felt betrayed. They saw how INEC failed to deliver on promises, and trust in the process dropped,” Osaro admitted. “But Akpata has been going from town to town, village to village, reminding the people that this election is different. His message—’Edo People Must To Matter’—has resonated.”
Osaro added that Akpata’s relatable personality has been key in energizing the electorate.
“Akpata connects with the people on a personal level. He doesn’t speak over them or to them; he speaks with them. That’s why they call him their ‘guy.’ He makes them feel heard.”
The Labour Party’s message has been amplified by appearances from national figures like Peter Obi, whose presence at Akpata’s rallies has further energized supporters across the state.
“When Peter Obi came to Edo to campaign for Akpata, the energy was electric. It reminded people of what’s at stake in this election. Edo is ready for change,” Osaro said with certainty.
Electoral Malpractice Concerns: “We Won’t Let Them Steal This Election”
Edotoday Correspondent: There are concerns about electoral manipulation. What is your candidate doing to ensure the votes are protected?
Electoral malpractice has been a recurring fear in Nigerian elections, and Osaro didn’t shy away from addressing these concerns. However, he expressed confidence that Edo’s people, and Akpata’s campaign team, are prepared to protect their votes.
“We know the ruling parties will try everything they can to manipulate the results. They’ve done it before, and they’ll try it again,” Osaro said frankly. “The PDP is known for rigging and intimidation, and APC will use federal influence where they can. But Edo State is different when it comes to the governorship. The people decide here.”
He went on to assure voters that Akpata’s team is taking proactive steps to safeguard the election.
“We’re working behind the scenes to make sure every vote counts. We’re urging the people to come out in their numbers—because the more people show up, the harder it is to rig. This time, the people will have their say.”
Final submission
He advised that Edo people should shun tribal and that it’s my turn in politics citing that Politicians know no tribe. As a matter of fact, they have only one tribe which is sharing our collective wealth amongst themselves, family, friends and cronies.
Conclusion: A Hopeful Future for Edo
As election day approaches, Mr. Edokpayi Osaro’s confidence in Barr. Olumide Akpata’s candidacy is unshaken. For Osaro, Akpata represents not just a candidate but a new direction for Edo State—a break from the past and a step toward a brighter future.
“This election is about more than just politics. It’s about reclaiming our state, our culture, our future. Edo is ready to turn a new page, and Akpata is the man to make that happen.”
With a mixture of grassroots campaigning, high-profile endorsements, and a message of hope, the Labour Party is positioning itself as the alternative Edo people have been waiting for. Whether the electorate will deliver on Osaro’s confidence remains to be seen, but the momentum is clear: change is in the air in Edo State.
