Akpata urges INEC for fairness, flags security concerns in Edo election

Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Edo State, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a fair and transparent process in the ongoing election.

Speaking to journalists on Saturday after casting his vote at the Ministry of Education polling unit, Oredo LGA, Akpata emphasized the need for a level playing field for all candidates.

The former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) expressed optimism that voters across the state would be able to participate peacefully, noting that his own voting experience had gone smoothly.

 “I received my ballot paper, went to the booth, thumbprinted, and dropped it in the box without any issues. I hope this is the same for every Edo voter,” Akpata said.

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However, he stressed the importance of maintaining fairness throughout the process, particularly at collation centers, where he urged INEC to allow all party agents full access.

“We want to ensure that no candidate is given any undue advantage and that all agents are allowed into the collation centers without hindrance,” he said. “We need to witness and confirm that the process is conducted according to the Electoral Act and the Constitution.”

Akpata further emphasized that, since this is the only off-cycle gubernatorial election in the country, INEC has no excuse for lapses.

He pointed out that the commission has the resources and the opportunity to focus its full attention on Edo State, calling for thorough deployment of both electoral and security personnel.

While acknowledging the heavy security presence, Akpata raised concerns over potential bias, citing two All Progressives Congress (APC) trucks spotted outside the home of Senator Adams Oshiomhole.

“This does not give me confidence,” he said. “Those trucks, which are meant for public use, have no business being outside the senator’s home. We are watching to see whether security forces are truly here to protect the people or to favor certain individuals.”

As the election progresses, Akpata’s remarks underscore the importance of a transparent and unbiased process, with all eyes on INEC to deliver a credible outcome in Edo State.