The Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) has responded to allegations circulating in the media, accusing the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of hypocrisy for endorsing the party’s governorship candidate in Edo State, Barrister Olumide Akpata.
Peter Obi recently visited Edo State to campaign for Akpata ahead of the gubernatorial election scheduled for Saturday.
In a statement signed by the group’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Umar, POMR refuted claims that Obi’s support for Akpata contradicts his long-standing principles on power rotation.
The media team argued that critics are attempting to divert attention from key election issues by attacking Obi’s backing of the Labour Party candidate.
The statement said, “Obi’s campaign for the Labour Party flag bearer in the upcoming Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State has effectively changed the narrative in the state and is leading opponents to the mischief of trying to divert attention from the issues.”
Umar explained that the criticism centres around the belief that Akpata’s zone should not produce the next governor of Edo State.
However, the statement clarified that Labour Party in Edo did not zone the governorship position to any particular region.
Instead, delegates from across the state’s local governments, including Edo Central, elected Akpata based on his qualifications and suitability for the role.
“Obi’s stand on zoning remains, but the Labour Party in Edo, even under the leadership of an Edo State indigene, did not zone their gubernatorial seat to any area in particular.
Delegates that elected Akpata were strictly from Edo, including Edo Central because they found him suited for their desires for the state,” the statement continued.
The media team stressed that Peter Obi prioritises competence and integrity over zoning.
“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.”
They further highlighted Akpata’s appeal to the youth due to his age and experience, adding that Obi’s campaign in Edo focused on addressing key issues facing the state, rather than engaging in personal attacks.
“In all his campaigns in Edo, in his characteristic manner, Obi did not indulge in name-calling but concentrated his messages on issues that are needed to take Edo State and Nigeria forward and found the LP candidate a square peg in a square hole.”
POMR reiterated that Labour Party delegates had chosen Akpata as their best option, and Peter Obi, as a democrat, respects the state’s decision without interference.
The group also advised those criticising Obi’s support to allow the people of Edo to decide their next governor.
“Our advice for those bitter that Obi is campaigning for his party flag bearer is to leave the people of the state to decide who their next governor will be, not to focus attention on mundane things,” the statement read.
POMR concluded by urging stakeholders, including INEC and security agencies, to ensure a level playing field in the upcoming election, allowing Edo voters to make their choice without external influence.
The gubernatorial election in Edo State is expected to take place on Saturday, with Akpata emerging as one of the prominent candidates backed by the Labour Party.
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