The Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) has addressed allegations of hypocrisy leveled against its principal, Peter Obi, for backing the Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate in Edo State, Barr. Olumide Akpata.
In a statement released on Thursday, POMR Spokesman Ibrahim Umar defended Obi’s support, emphasizing that it aligns with his commitment to democratic values and competence.

Umar stated that Obi’s involvement in Akpata’s campaign has shifted the political landscape in Edo, prompting opponents to engage in diversionary tactics.
Critics have accused Obi of abandoning his principle of power rotation by supporting Akpata. However, POMR clarified that, contrary to the claims, the Labour Party in Edo did not zone its gubernatorial ticket to any specific region. Instead, party delegates from all local government areas in Edo, including Edo Central, chose Akpata purely based on merit.

The statement reiterated that Obi remains a proponent of zoning but places a higher value on competence and reputation.
“As a democrat, Obi respects the choice of the majority, especially when it is anchored on the candidate’s proven track record.
“Akpata, with his energy, experience, and appeal to the youth, was identified by the Labour Party as the most suitable candidate for the state’s needs.
“Throughout his campaign in Edo, Obi avoided negative rhetoric, focusing instead on the core issues that would drive Edo State and Nigeria forward.” POMR emphasized that the support for Akpata reflects Obi’s belief in the Labour Party’s selection process and his non-interference in the democratic decision-making of each state.
POMR dismissed the criticism of Obi’s support for Akpata as an attempt to distract from the critical issues of the Edo gubernatorial election. It urged critics to allow Edo voters to make their decision based on substantive issues rather than focusing on irrelevant debates.

In his message, Obi called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure a free and fair election, providing a level playing field so that the true will of Edo voters prevails.
In another delopment, Obi has expressed his excitement over the success of LP campaign for Akpata.
Writing on his X-handle, he said

“Yesterday, the national leadership of our party joined @OlumideAkpata and his deputy, Alhaji Kadiri Asamah Yusuf, after their mega rally in Edo State, wrapping up our campaign efforts ahead of the September 21st, 2024, election.
“The event was attended by the Leadership of the Labour Party and the Obidients Movement, including Senator Nenadi Usman, Labour Party Caretaker Chairman; Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed, Labour Party Vice Presidential Candidate; Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, Deputy Governor of Abia State; Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District; Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South; Dr. Tanko Yunusa, National Coordinator of the Obidients Movement; Aisha Yesufu, and many others.
“Together, we reaffirmed our collective vision for a Nigeria where leadership is driven by competence and capacity, character and compassion, education and development, and dedication to the welfare of the people.

“In solidarity, we reaffirmed our commitment to and belief in democracy. A new more democratic Nigeria is POssible!

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has thrown his weight behind Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the September 21 election in Edo State.

Speaking at a youth rally in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Governor Ododo praised Okpebholo as a candidate who represents the true aspirations of Edo people.
Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah in a statement said the Gobernor was warmly received by Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Phillip Shaibu.
According to the Statement, Ododo promised to use his influence and cultural ties to galvanize support for the APC candidate.
He appealed to the people of Akoko-Edo to vote en masse for Okpebholo and resist any form of intimidation, urging them to defend their votes peacefully on election day.

Highlighting the successes of the APC in Edo under former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Governor Ododo expressed confidence that Okpebholo would continue the party’s legacy of delivering on campaign promises and prioritizing the welfare of the people.
He also pointed to the achievements in Kogi State under his administration as an example of what the APC can achieve in Edo.

Addressing the crowd in both English and Ebira, Governor Ododo thanked the people for their peaceful conduct throughout the campaign and assured them that their support would be rewarded once the APC wins.
Governor Ododo has since traveled to Benin City, where he is expected to join other APC leaders for the grand finale of the campaign on Saturday.

***Expresses confidence in the Victory of LP at the Edo Polls

The senator representing Edo South Neda Imasuen has justified the recent action of the Labour Party(LP) stakeholders in the appointment of a caretaker committee of 29 members with Nenadi Usman as the chairperson.

He said the stakeholders’ meeting, which was called by party leaders including Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti was with the intention to reconcile party factions and restore the party’s direction ahead of key electoral milestones. 
Speaking to our correspondent via a telephone interview on sunday, he said, the meeting, held in Umuahia, Abia capital, aimed to address internal disputes without casting blame and to set the party on a unified path forward.
Imasuen noted that the party had faced challenges regarding the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s recognition of its leadership. 

He specifically referenced Julius Abure’s recent unsuccessful attempts to attend INEC meetings and participate in discussions on the upcoming Edo and Ondo elections, scheduled for September 2024. 

This, according to Imasuen, revealed a leadership vacuum within the Labour Party that needes to be addressed urgently.
To move forward, Imasuen emphasized the need for a caretaker committee to manage the party’s affairs until a formal congress can be held. 
He reported that the stakeholders’ meeting was successful, with most key figures attending and agreeing on decisions to advance the party. Despite this progress, the faction led by Abure did not participate, choosing instead to raise grievances in public forums, which Imasuen suggested was not the appropriate way to address party matters.
In response to criticisms from Abure’s camp, which questioned the membership of Nenadi Usman within the party, Imasuen dismissed the claims and reiterated that Usman remains a member. He urged all factions to come together for the good of the party.

In his words,

“The stakeholder meeting was called by the leaders of the party, headed by his excellency, Peter Gregory Obi, and our governor, Alex Otti and the meeting was held in Umuahia, Abia capital.
“The essence of the meeting was to bring the party back on course, pure and simple. It wasn’t a meeting that was to castigate or to assign blame to anybody.
“It was a meeting of reconciliation, a meeting to move forward from where we are, because as it is, we are not in the right path, at least as INEC activities, and INEC calendar, and INEC recognition of the executives of Labour Party is concerned.

“And I’m sure that you are aware, that recently on two occasions, that Abure, first of all, attempted to attend the meeting called for the chairman of parties, and he was not recognized, and he was asked to excuse them. 

“On the second occasion that INEC called the chairmen to appriase them of the preparation for the Edo and Ondo States election coming September 21, 2024, LP was not even invited at all. So we have come to recognize this vacuum, and we need to fill it.

“The only way we can fill it is for us to come together and look for a way forward, so that we can have a committee to pilot the affairs of the party until we are able to do Congress. “That is the whole essence of the meeting, and I am happy to announce to you that it was very successful. All the stakeholders were invited, and they came, except for a few, who for whatever reason couldn’t make it.

“But we agreed on a far-reaching decision to move the party forward, and that we all have agreed to do. 

“I don’t know exactly what it is that they are looking for, but we have said that everybody should come on board. Abure and his group were also invited to come on board. And if they mean well for the party, they would have at least come and then table their grievances and let us all address it.”

Looking ahead to the Edo election in in September, Imasuen expressed confidence in the Labour Party’s chances of victory, citing the widespread dissatisfaction and hardship faced by Nigerians under the current government. He emphasized the need for a fair, free, and credible election, free from violence or manipulation by major parties.
Imasuen concluded by stating that the Labour Party is ready to win the upcoming election, driven by the discontent of the people and the promise of change that the party offers.