Edo Poll: Akpata expresses shock over voter apathy, widespread vote-buying

The Labour Party candidate in the 21 September governorship election in Edo State, Olumide Akpata, on Monday, expressed shock at the electorate’s willingness to sell their votes, noting that the transactional nature of the poll was antithetical to democratic norms.

Akpata finished third in the election with 22,763 votes, while APC’s Monday Okpebholo secured first place with 291,667 votes. Asue Ighodalo of the PDP was second with 247,274 votes.

Addressing journalists at a press conference in Benin, Akpata said that Saturday’s exercise was not an election but a transaction, enabled by both those who chose to abstain, allowing the two dominant parties to buy a significant majority of the limited votes cast and those who participated and willingly sold their votes.

He stated that while the election was free from historical election-day malpractices such as ballot box snatching and stuffing, it was nonetheless marred by voter intimidation and the falsification of results.

He remarked that the election witnessed one of the lowest voter turnouts in recent years, a clear indication of the apathy gripping the populace, which ultimately contributed to the worst-case scenario.

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 also enabled by those who chose to stay away, making it easier for the two dominant parties to afford a significant majority of the few votes available, and by those who came out and 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.

Akpata also expressed concern that some of those involved in vote-selling were Labour Party supporters and agents, who sold their future for peanuts to the very political parties whose actions and policies have impoverished them.

He further criticised the unwitting establishment of a collegiate system of governance involving godfathers, surrogate governors, and other external forces that hope to control the governor-elect.

According to him, the implications for Edo State are dire, as the state will continue to face underdevelopment, misallocation of resources, and governance that serves the interests of a few rather than the needs of the many —consequences the people must now live with 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 whether he and his party would pursue legal action, Akpata stated that the election results had been submitted to his legal team and the party’s for forensic analysis, after which a decision would be made.