Edo Decides: Provide level playing field – LP candidate, Akpata tells INEC

The governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Olumide Akpata has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to provide a level playing field for the election.

Akpata, who voted at about 10:30 am, stressed that nobody should be given any undue advantage.

The Labour Party candidate said, “I am calling on INEC that the playing field should remain level, nobody should be given any undue advantage, all of our agents should be allowed into collation centres, the agent of all parties, nobody should be hindered, prevented from going into the collation centre, so that we can all witness the process and be able to confirm that it was done in the manner as provided by law, the Electoral Act and the Constitution.

“All eyes are on INEC, the entire country is focused on INEC and we are hoping that they will do a good job.

“It is left to be seen if the heavy deployment of security personnel to Edo are for the people or for the certain individual.

“All party agents should be allowed into our collation centres, so that we can all witness the process.

“Edo election is an off cycle election so INEC should have the luxury of deploying its resources to show the world that they can do it well.

“‘The playing field should be totally levelled to allow the best man or women to win.

“I am hearing some concerning feedback from around the state but I cannot make any statement until I verify the source of my information.

“We have crossed one hurdle, I have voted and my supporters should be allowed to vote.”