#EdoDecides: No candidate should be given undue advantage, Akpata tells INEC

Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Edo, says the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should ensure a level playground for all candidates in the ongoing poll.

Akpata spoke with journalists on Saturday shortly after casting his ballot at the ministry of education, PU11, ward 06 at Oredo LGA in Benin City, the state capital.

The former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) expressed optimism that every voter in the state would cast their vote peacefully.

“I was given my ballot paper, went to the booth, thumbprinted, and dropped it in the ballot box. Everything went well,” Akpata said.

“I hope this is the experience of every Edo voter. I will wait for feedback from all the wards and polling units.

“We are calling on INEC to ensure that the playing field remains levelled and that no candidate is given any undue advantage.

“All of our agents should be allowed into the collation centre. Nobody should be hindered or prevented from entering the collation centre, so that we can all witness the process and confirm it was carried out as prescribed by law—the Electoral Act and the Constitution.

“I’m calling on INEC. This is an off-cycle election, the only gubernatorial election taking place in the entire country, so they have no excuse. They have the luxury of deploying their resources to this state.

“They also have the latitude to ask security forces to focus on Edo state, so I would imagine that anyone given the tools and resources should be able to do a good job. All eyes are on them; the entire country is watching INEC.

“Regarding security, the massive deployment of security forces in Edo is a good sign for me.

“Now, it remains to be seen whether the deployment is for the people or to benefit certain individuals.

“I mentioned yesterday that I noticed two APC trucks parked outside the home of Senator Oshiomhole. That does not give me confidence.

“Two APC trucks—major equipment meant for the people—are outside his home. What are they doing in front of his home? That gives me cause for concern, but we are watching.”