Labour Party candidate in the 21 September governorship election in Edo State, Olumide Akpata, on Monday expressed shock over the electorate’s willingness to sell their votes, describing the transactional nature of the poll as a deviation from democratic principles.
Akpata, who finished third with 22,763 votes, behind APC’s Monday Okpebholo with 291,667 votes and PDP’s Asue Ighodalo with 247,274 votes, addressed journalists in Benin, calling the election more of a transaction than a democratic exercise.
He noted that voter abstention allowed the two dominant parties to buy a substantial share of the limited votes cast, while those who participated willingly sold their votes.
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Although free from historical malpractices like ballot box snatching, Akpata highlighted that the poll was tainted by voter intimidation and falsified results.
He also pointed to the low voter turnout as a sign of growing public apathy, which contributed to the troubling outcome.
Akpata added, “Let us be clear, what transpired on 21 September 2024 was not an election but a transaction. It is shocking that the electorate were willing to sell their votes.
This was further enabled by those who chose to stay away, allowing the two dominant parties to secure a significant portion of the limited votes cast, and by those who participated but willingly sold their votes.
“To those who sold their votes, we extend our understanding, not condemnation. We acknowledge the crushing economic hardships that many of you face daily —hardships that make the immediate relief of vote-selling seem like a lifeline. Yet, this short-term gain comes at an immense long-term cost. We implore you to reflect deeply on the consequences of your actions and to recognise that your vote is the legacy you bequeath to future generations,” he said.
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Akpata also raised concerns about some Labour Party supporters and agents participating in vote-selling, remarking that they traded their future for a pittance to the very political parties whose actions and policies have contributed to their impoverishment.
He further criticized the unintentional establishment of a governance system influenced by godfathers, surrogate governors, and other external forces aiming to control the governor-elect.
According to him, the implications for Edo State are severe, as the state will likely continue to experience underdevelopment, misallocation of resources, and governance that prioritizes the interests of a few over the needs of the many—consequences the people will have to endure for years to come.
Akpata added, “A troubling theme emerged on election day— a widespread vote-buying scheme orchestrated by both the All Progressives Congress and the People’s Democratic Party. As attested to by YIAGA Africa, a leading civil society organisation and domestic observer group, our sacred electoral process was reduced to a commodities market—a bidding war for votes.
“This practice, no less damaging than outright ballot stuffing, has effectively disenfranchised the people of Edo State.”
When asked if he and his party would pursue legal action, Akpata stated that the election results had been handed over to his legal team and the party’s for forensic analysis, after which a decision would be made.
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