Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party’s candidate in the Edo governorship election, on Monday, strongly criticized the exercise, labeling it a “commodities market” and “transaction” marred by vote-buying and voter apathy.
“As attested to by YIAGA Africa, our sacred electoral process was reduced to a bidding war for votes,” Akpata said in a statement, following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s declaration of Monday Okpebholo’s victory.
“Although the election was largely free from historical forms of election-day malpractice such as ballot box snatching and stuffing, it was nevertheless marred by voter intimidation and the falsification of results,” the LP candidate said.
“More insidiously, we witnessed one of the lowest voter turnouts in recent years, a testament to the apathy that has gripped our populace. This disengagement ultimately contributed to the worst-case scenario we now face.”
Akpata, who finished third, accused the PDP and APC of engaging in vote-buying, noting that the low voter turnout facilitated this malpractice.
“Let us be clear: what transpired on 21 September 2024 was not an election but a transaction,” he emphasized.
Analysis:
Akpata’s statement highlights the pervasive issues plaguing Nigeria’s electoral system, including vote-buying and voter apathy. The Edo governorship election has brought attention to the need for electoral reform and increased civic engagement.
“The path to true democracy is often long and fraught with challenges, but it is a journey we must undertake together,” Akpata urged.
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